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THE 


STAR OF SEVILLE, 


& & Ulrama, 


IN FIVE ACTS. 


BY MRS. BUTLER, 


/- (Late Miss Kemble.) 


NEW YORK : 


SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, ANN STREET. 


1837. 



NEW AND SPLENDIDLY EMBELLISHED WORK, 

THEBOOKOFGEMS. 

(The Poets and Artists of Great Britain.) 

WITH UPWARDS OF 

FIFTY BEAUTIFUL ENGRAVINGS 

FROM 
ORIGINAL PICTURES, 

BY FIFTY LIVING PAINTERS. 

This beautiful Work, which 'is a perfect novelty among the < 
bellished publications of the day, presents the combined attraction 
Poetry/Painting, and Engraving. It is splendidly illustrated with , 
wards of Fifty exquisitely finished Engravings from Original Pii- 
by the most distinguished living Painters, and altogether forms 
the most beautiful library, drawing-room, and present books 
the advanced state of the Arts has hitherto produced. I 

Critical Notices. 



i 



it 

3 



"The Book of Gems seems too fair to be looked upon, combi 
1 those external decorations which made the Jlnnnals so attractivi 



i 

I 

with something far better than the vapid prose and milk-and-wat*' 

poetry of which their staple generally consisted. It is a book mr 
lovely to the sense than the most gorgeous of the tribe of Souven 
and Forget-me-nots ; and unlike them, it will be as valuable twei 
years hence as it is now. The very conception of such a book eft 
serves no little praise, and its execution the very highest. For 
combined attractions to the man of taste and the lover of art, this worl 
has no rivals in the annals of book making." — American Monthly Ma 

" This is, in all respects, so beautiful a book, that it would be scarcely j 3 
possible to suggest an improvement. Its contents are not for a year,/ \ 
nor for an age, but for all time." — Examiner. 

" The plan of this beautiful and splendid work is as admirable as it V 
is novel." — Literary Gazette. 

" This sumptuous book has not less than fifty-three illustrations." — | 
Jlthenceum. 

" The Pleasure-book of the year — a treasury of sweets and beauties."'! 
—Mlas. 

A few Proof Impressions of the Splendid Illustra-J 
tions to the above work may still be had. 



I 



THE 

STAR OF SEVILLE, 

IN FIVE ACTS. 



BY MRS. BUTLER, 

(Late Miss Kemble.) 



NEW YORK : 

SAUNDERS AND OTLEY, ANN STREET. 
1837. 



PR m 

•K' 



**\ 



Entered according to act of Cougress in the year 1837, 

BY PIERCE BUTLER, 
in the Clerk's office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



CRAIGHEAD AND ALLEN, 

PRINTERS, 

NO. 112 FULTON, CORNER OF DUTCH STREET. 






TO 
THE RIGHT HONORABLE 

LADY DACRE, 

IS INSCRIBED, 

IN TOKEN OF GRATEFUL REGARD 

BY 

THE AUTHORESS. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 



Alphonzo, King of Spain. 

Don Pedro be Roella, l Cobles of Seville. 
Don Carlos de Valentar, > J 

Don Gomez, the King's counsellor. 
Don Arias, the King's cousin* 
Count Lomaria. 

Antonio,' \ Merchants °f Seville ' 
Vasco, Antonio's son. 
Curio. 
Valentine. 
Rodriquez, a Monk. 
Petruchio, Don Pedro's servant. 
Hyacinth, Antonio's nephew. 
Sancho, his servant* 
Lawyer. 
Gentlemen. Lords. Courtiers. Alcades, Servants, #c, 

Estrella, Don Pedro's sister. 
Florilla, Geronio's daughter. 
Isabel, Antonio's daughter. 
Ursula, Estrella's Nurse, 
Don Pedro's Page. 



V. 



STAR OF SEVIL LE 






ACT I. 

SCENE L — A STREET IN SEVILLE— THE 
HOUSES WITH TAPESTRY AND GARLANDS 
HUNG UPON THEM. 



Geronio discovered in front of the stage — People toward* 
the back. Pedrillo, on the balcony, hanging tapes- 
try over it. 

GERONIO. 

Now, my masters ; stir, stir — be busy ! let us be ready at 
the first gun that fires ; Pedrillo, hang me those garlands 
round the balcony ; — so — very good ! Now draw me the ta- 
pestry closer over the wall, and — 

Enter Antonio. 

ANTONIO. 

And quarter thee. 

GERONIO. 

How now, neighbor ; where is Vasco X 
1 



2 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

ANTONIO. 

He's away to the east gate of the city, to watch for the 
first cloud of dust that shall rise on the road. 

GERONIO. 

He will not be alone there, I warrant me. 

ANTONIO. 

No, by St. Jerome ! the road, the river, and the city 
walls, are covered with such multitudes, that when the 
King does come, he and his nobles must manage their 
horses daintily ; else, by my fay ! some of his loving lieges 
will pave his way to our good city. 

GERONIO. 

Those wreaths will scarce have time to wither, I should 
think : now for a flag to wave from the balcony. 

ANTONIO. 

Where is your daughter ? 

GERONIO. 

Not slumbering, neighbor, as you may believe; she 
was up before day-dawn, decking herself, but whether for 
your son or the King — 

pedr/illo descends from balco?iy, 

PEDRILLO. 

There, Senor, I think your house will look as gallantly 
• as any in the street. 

GERONIO. 

Then away with thee, and thy fellows ! Away with 
you, all that have nimble legs and young breath, to watch 
for the King. 

[Exeunt Pedrillo and People* 
Enter Florilla, from house, 

GERONIO. 

Why, here she is ! 



s€ene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 3 

ANTONIO. 

Good morrow, Mistress Florilla ! How wags the world 
with you so early in the day 1 

FLORILLA. 

Kindly enough, I thank ye, sir; where is Vasco ? 

GERONIO. 

Ah, Florilla I his loyalty has ta'en the start of his love, 
I think. 

FLORILLA. 

What ! hath he not heen here ? 

GERONIO. 

No, daughter ; he's gone to meet the king. 

FLORILLA. 
How ! before coming to ask tidings of me ! — to see me ! 
Hath he been waking but the tenth of a second, and not 
been watching under my window 1 

ANTONIO. 

Nay, pretty Mistress Florilla, your anger is less than just ; 
Vasco loves you passing well. 

FLORILLA. 

But his love for the King passes that passing welL 

GERONIO. 

Now, neighbor, hast ever a tongue in thy head ? 

ANTONIO. 

Ay, marry ; I had, once, as good as my son's ; so I 
may e'en try for once what he will soon have to abide 
for ever. Young mistress, my son hath never, in one 
single point, since now three years he hath been courting 
you, failed in observance of the smallest matter, duty, at- 
tendance, reverence, worship, love. 

FLORILLA. 

AH this is true, and that is why I'm anger'd. 



4 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

ANTONIO. 

What, that he hitherto hath loved you so ? 

FLORILLA. 

No, but that now he loves me so no more. 

ANTONIO. 

You are unjust. 

FLORILLA. 

He's taught me to be so. 

ANTONIO. 

Such accidents, at oftenest, rarely happen, 

FLORILLA. 

Oh, then, I thank you ! Fine, indeed ! I find your son 
loves me when he has nought else in hand. 

ANTONIO. 
But the King. 

FLORILLA. 

An* he like to marry the King, then, in place of me, he 
may. 

GERONIO. 

Ha ! ha ! smartly hit, girl ! Now, neighbor, are you 
fairly breathed 1 

ANTONIO. 

A nimble, tongue, good faith ! I'll say no more, for 
here comes Vasco, and he'll reason with her in another 
sort, I trow. 

Enter Vasco. 
vasco. 
Good morrow, father ! With your leave, Master Gero- 
nio. Why, how's this, mistress 1 d'ye give me you« 
shoulders 1 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 5 

GERONIO. 

You shall see, now, how he will argue with her: marry! 
'twill be a most controversial point. 

ANTONIO. 

Heaven help him ! 

GERONIO. 

Let alone ! he hath hands and lips of his own, and 
heaven's a needless third in such a case. 

VASCO. 

Oh, faith ! I will not be greeted thus. How now ! art 
sullen! what have I done? how angered thee 1 ? Wilt an- 
swer me? What, dumb? Heaven bless thee! we'll be 
married to-day ; nay, I've no time to spare. Father, bid 
guests, for we'll feast to-night at the Anchor. Signor 
Geronio, if your daughter be willing, mayhap you'll bring 
her with you ; I'm hence again. I have to go and hire 
me a horse to ride down to the river ; and moreover to 
leave this breast-knot at Mistress Bella's. 

FLORILLA. 

What's that? 

VASCO. 

So ho ! so ho ! my dainty damsel, hast found thy tongue? 
Now, then, thy hand ; come, come, no bargaining ; — and 
now thy lips. Why, that's well ! that's well ! 

GERONIO. 

Oil ! neighbor, neighbor ! for the good old days ! 

ANTONIO. 

The good young days, you mean : but, psha ! they live 
them o'er again for us. 

VASCO. 

And here is a breast-knot for thee, Florilla, shall make 
the King and all his nobles blink : come, put it on, and 
think no more of Mistress Bella than I do, wench. 
1* 



6 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

ANTONIO. 

And now where hast thou been, and what learnt? is the 
King coming — how and when ? 

VASCO. 

The King is coming ; he'll be here at noon — messen- 
gers have been riding on, to say as much ; the whole city 
has turned itself inside out, and gapes with its million eyes 
and mouths, as tho' it would devour his Highness when he 
comes. But, Psha ! I prate ; the nobles and alcades will, 
anon, down to the river-side, to assist at the landing ; and 
if I be not there, what think you the majesty of Spain will 
say 1 Fare thee well, sweet-heart I when thou seest me 
again, 'twill be among shouts, trumpet-blasts, and wel- 
comes, — plumes, peers, and princes, — uproar, din, and 
confusion ! (sings.) 

Bella is fair enough, they say; 
But a plague of her coal black eyes for me ! 
Sing hey down, down, on a dreary day; 
Ne'er a one do I love as well as thee ! 

(He goes off, and returns.) 

Now a murrain on that shell'd pease-cod, my head 1 
Father, I have a letter for thee ; one riding post-haste to 
town gave it me, and a faithful keeper I had liked to 
prove. 

FLORILLA. 

Vasco ! Vasco ! where's Isabel 1 

VASCO. 

Gone to the Lady Estrella's to help old Ursula. Oh t 
and I must tell ye, there will be great rejoicings there to- 
morrow, for Don Carlos hath asked her of her brother, 
and Isabel is gone to help to prepare all things for the 
wedding; she's a fair lady! there's not such another in 
Seville I 

FLORILLA. 

And he's the very man deserves such an one : Heaven 
send them all happiness ! 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 7 

VASCO. 

Amen, little devotion : and the same to us, when the 
physicians shall pronounce the case similar. Sing, hey 
down, down ! 

[Exit, singing. 

GERONIO. 

There he goes, for a rare madcap ; cheating a weary 
way with a merry lay, as the old burthen hath it. 

ANTONIO. 

Oh, neighbor, we are like to have a new acquaintance 
here ; this letter's from my brother, a wealthy merchant 
in Segovia ; his son, I find, hath preferred a courtier's 
plume and rapier to the counting-house, and is coming 
here in the young King's train. 

FLORILLA. 

How! shall I have a courtier to my cousin, when I am 
married to Vasco 1 

ANTONIO. 

Marry, that shall you, and a ruffling gallant he'll prove, 
if my brother speak true ; but it is near upon noon, and 
yonder come the worshipful alcades, and the Count 
Lomaria. 

Enter Alcades and Lomaria. 

FIRST ALCADE. 

Yes, sir, 'tis as I say ; the late King was too old, too 
infirm, indeed. How now, my worthy masters ! good 
morrow ! I pray you rejoice to-day, and let your sons 
and 'prentices keep the peace in their rejoicings, if it be 
possible : Mistress Florilla ! 

LOMARIA. 

Ha! pretty mistress ! how fares it with you ? 

SECOND ALCADE. 

Well, sir, the late King had grown somewhat close and 



8 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

chary of his presence, but now that his son is come among 
us, we shall — 

[Exeunt, talking. 

Enter two Lords. 

FIRST LORD. 

Indeed, those imposts were intolerable; but now — 

SECOND LORD. 

The young King will sweep away all such grievances; 
he will restore the privileges of our order, and keep the 
mud from soiling our ermine, — 'twas time he came. 

[Exeunt^ talking. 

Enter Curio, Valentine, and a party of Gentlemen. 

CURIO. 

Are you bidden ? 

VALENTINE. 

Yea, faith! and as I take it, 'tis writ by the fair hand 
of the fair Estrella. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

The bride ; she will be the fairest that ever wore a ring. 

CURIO. 

Some men do lie in the sun their whole life long, with 
ripe grapes dropping into their mouths. 

VALENTINE. 

Art thou such an one ? 

CURIO. 

Would to heaven ! No, if I would be warm I must light 
my own fire; and if filled, cook mine own meat; but 
Carlos was swathed in luck, and rocked in the very lap of 
good fortune. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

They say Don Pedro gives the best part of his estate in 
dowry with her to his friend. 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 9 

VALENTINE. 

He loves her beyond the usual affection of a brother : 
for her sake he has led as it were the life of an hermit, 
devoting his whole mind unto the tending of hers ; and re- 
fraining from all the temptations of prosperous wedlock, 
that she might meet no rival in his affections. 

curio. 
I am persuaded that in nothing has he shown so much 
his care and love of her, as in the giving her to Don Carlos, 
for the parting will leave him utterly bereaved. 

VALENTINE. 

He carries it bravely, however ; there will not have 
been so sumptuous a feast in Seville, since it called itself 
by name. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

I'm glad of it ! We shall have merriment in all abun- 
dance now ; for, by the mass ! a young king makes a 
young court : we shall laugh again ere we grow old. Oons ; 
this Seville might have been a city of monks, or the thrice 
holy and gloomy Inquisition itself, for aught that has been 
done in it for the last two years. 

CURIO. 

No women ! 

VALENTINE. 

No carousing, but in a corner. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 
No diceing, but in the dark. 

CURIO. 

But now we will lead other lives, I trow ; we will make 
day-light blink with our bravery, and the night shall reel 
like a weak^brained toper after his sixth cup : now come 
the days of moonlight serenades, rope ladders, wine, 
wenches, drinking, dancing, diceing, and the devil! 



10 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act h 

ANTONIO. 

Oh ! the saints ! here be eyes for spying you out the 
advantages of the time. 

GERONIO. 

Come, mistress, come, go in. 

curio. 
Ah ! mistress Florilla ! 

VALENTINE. 

A prize ! and so fair a one, already. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

By St. Eustace ! a most inviting eye! 

ANTONIO. 

Gentlemen, good now, I pray you — 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

Old gentleman, we were not speaking of your's. 

GERONIO. 

Go in, daughter, go in. 

[Exeunt Antonio and Geronio, with 
Florilla, into house. 

CURIO. 

Miserly old churls ! the wench wanted to stay. 

VALENTINE. 

Ay, faith ! with thee, mayhap. 

CURIO. 
With me, — why not, sir, pray 1 I spoke first, whiles 
you stood gaping three yards off. 

VALENTINE. 

You are a quick man with your tongue, we know. 

CURIO. 

A quicker with my hand, as you shall know, 

(Strikes him.) 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 11 

VALENTINE. 

Death and damnation. ( They fight.) 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

Hold off, gentlemen ! Curio ! Valentine ! they'll raise 
a riot. 

Enter Don Pedro. 

PEDRO. 

How now ! what's here to do 1 why, gentlemen, 
Is't thus you usher in the happiest day 
That ever shone on Seville ? 

CURIO. , 

Stand aside, sir. 

I'll finish out this bout. 

VALENTINE. 

You are in peril, Don Pedro ; stand from between our 
swords. 

PEDRO. 

Your pardon, Senor Valentine, I will not : 

Now, gentlemen, come, thrust away ! How's this ? 

Have ye forgot your quarte, your tierce, your parry ! 

Or is it that you think my flesh and blood 

Better worth saving than your own ? For shame ! 

To stand here snarling like two angry curs, 

When everything looks peace and holiday. 

Is't thus with fast clench'd hands, and rapiers drawn, 

You mean to greet the king? By my good faith ! 

'Tis a fair sample of our Seville manners, 

And on your part, indeed, 'tis most sincere ; 

You will not palm yourselves upon his highness 

For peaceful, sober citizens ; not you : 

But fill the streets with swaggering brawls to-day, 

That he may know at once your quality. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

Come, piece this quarrel up. 



12 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

PEDRO. 

Shake hands, and sheathe your swords. 

CURIO. 

Well, there's my hand. 

VALENTINE. 

And mine, with all my heart ! 

PEDRO. 

Amen, amen. And now in peace depart. 

THIRD GENTLEMAN. 

Yonder's the first gun, the king's boat's in sight. 

CURIO. 

Are you coming down to the river? 

PEDRO. 

Presently. 
I have some matters to despatch at home, 
But I shall join you, ere the landing. 

[Exeunt Gentlemen. 
A goodly crew ! and yet these are the sons 
Of our first houses here in Seville ; all scions 
From our stout forest trees. Heaven save the mark ! 
I think we'd better spirits in our day 
Than these same noble street fighters give promise of: 
And 'tis another argument that tells me 
I have done well in hedging my fair flower 
Within the guarded fence of holy wedlock; 
Yet hold I fearfully my die in hand, 
Dreading to cast it, lest it falls amiss. 
Carlos loves her, that's something; she loves him, 
That's more, much more : I fain would think 'tis well : 
And yet my fond affection, like a coward, 
Pries into the far future for some danger, 
Howe'er remote or shadowy, to start from. 
Oh ! 1 have ventured my dear treasure forth, 
And tho' the sea and sky look smilingly, 



scene i.l STAR OF SEVILLE. 13 

I almost wish it back again in harbor, 
Dreading a thousand shoals, and reefs, that are not, 
Save in the treacherous soundings of my fear. 
Now, good old friend, thine errand ? 

Enter Petruchio. 

PETRUCHIO. 

Heaven save your noble honor ! thus to call me. 

If years of service, that I wish were trebled, 

And my heart's love, would for your use 'twere younger, 

Deserve in anything so good a name, 

I'm not in everything an undeserver. 

My lady, sir, bids me inform your lordship, 

She will be married by her confessor, 

And not the lord archbishop, your good uncle : 

Don Sanchez is sore sick, and cannot come, sir, 

To the wedding ; but he greets your honor by me ; 

And to my lady sends this diamond, 

Wishing her every future happiness. 

PEDRO. 

Think'st thou she can be happier than she was, 
Petruchio? Dost thou recollect one wish, 
Or word, or look, or veriest thought of her's 
I've not obey'd — obey'd, forerun — prevented? 
Dost thou not think my sister lov'd her home ? 

PETRUCHIO. 

My dear kind master, there's nought dwells about you, 
But's blest ; and if on those whose lowly station 
Puts them at furthest from your influence 
It still shines warmly, as a kindly sky, 
My lady, who is locked within your soul, 
Fram'd in your heart, shrin'd in your treasured thoughts, 
Must bear a thankless mind, — but ah ! she does not, 
If she requite not thousandfold your love: 
But you forget, sir, a young maiden's heart 
Is a rich soil, wherein lie many germs 
Hid by the cunning hand of nature there 
2 



14 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act u 

To put forth blossoms in their fittest season; 

And tho' the love of home first breaks the soil 

With its embracing tendrils clasping it, 

Other affections, strong and warm, will grow, 

While that one fades, as summer's flush of bloom 

Succeeds the gentle budding of the spring. 

Maids must be wives, and mothers, to fulfil 

Th' entire and holiest end of woman's being. 

Your pardon, honor'd sir ; but I remember 

When my right noble mistress, your fair mother, 

Was married to the Count your father, marry time ! 

I was a youngster page, and held her train, 

Something to this same tune, the priest who married them 

Spake at the altar— but 1 prate too boldly. 

PEDRO. 

Thou'st spoken well, old faithful ; I would see 

My sister made a loved and honor'd wife ; 

A blest and happy mother, and to-morrow 

Will crown these hopes. I am content to lose her ; — 

But now thy further errand 1 

PETRUCHIO. 

Sir, Don Carlos 
Is gone to meet the King; but on returning 
Would speak with you at home : I've been 
To bid your guests, to order the musicians, 
To 

PEDRO. 

What, was there no younger foot to trudge 
On all these weighty quests, but thine ? 

PETRUCHIO. 

Marry, 
They're all gone forth to choke up the King's path ; 
Besides, I love to do my lady's errands, 
And grudge my waning strength and swiftness mosi 
Because I may not now so often hear 
Her gracious thanks, or gentle bidding, or, 



SCENE II.] 



STAR OF SEVILLE. 



Returning weary, be o'er paid my toil 
By her sweet voice and smile. 

PEDRO. 

Ay, there it is ! 
We all shall lose our very best of life, 
Old servant, when that gentle soul departs. 
Thou'lt lose a mistress, I, a sister, wife, 
Child, mistress, all that in love's catalogue 
Nearest and dearest is : but it is well ; 
And being well, 'tis scant philosophy 
To wish it other. Get thee home, and rest ; 
I'm for the river side to meet the landing. 



15 



[Exeunt. 



SCENE II.— -THE RIVER SIDE. VIEW OF 
SEVILLE. 

Enter the King, Don Arias, Don Gomez, Lords, 
Gentlemen, Courtiers, tip. 
king. 
Hail to fair Seville ! to our goodly town, 
Which in the golden sunshine smiles so bright! 
Of all the cities in our vast dominions, 
Which we have progressed through, albeit in arms, 
In commerce, and in learning high renown'd ; 
Famed for the bounteous gifts of lavish Nature, 
Or for the arts which had drawn interest from them, 
None ever, on our first beholding it, 
Appear'd so fair as yonder Seville seems, 
Girt with her orange groves, whose balmy breath, 
Stirr'd by the morning's wings, e'en here salutes us, 
And wound around with the enamored arms 
Of the Guadalquivir! 



16 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

ARIAS. 

It seems in sooth, 
A pleasant city, and your highness means 
To rest here long? 

KING. 

As long, coz, as may serve 
To make our onward path appear more sweet. 

ARIAS. 

The people seem most loyally inclined. 

KING. 

Ay, faith, their welcome made the shores resound 
Long ere we came in sight. Loyal, good troth ! 
If shouts, which rent the harmless, yielding air, 
Shook either bank, and in his hollow bed 
Awoke the river God, which must have damaged 
Our lieges' throats, or we are much deceived, 
And our own ears, — if this be loyalty, 
You shall not find a truer set of subjects, 
More noisy loving in the universe. 

GOMEZ. 

'Tis said this mighty and unruly concourse, 
Tumultously thus poured abroad, has caused 
Broils not a few, and bloodshed. 

KING. 

Odso ! true, 
We had forgot ; but thou rememberest us, 
Thyself reminded by too fresh a grief, 
That we designed to have, on our arrival, 
The use of swords and arms prohibited, 
While we sojourn in Seville; gentlemen, 
Ye must divest ye of these warlike gauds; 
We have not yet forgotten Saragossa, 
Whose streets, to welcome us, ran down with blood 
Of jostling youngsters fighting by the dozen, 
Where this, our very friend and counsellor. 



scene ii.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 17 

Was, by ill chance, made childless by the slaughter, 

Of a fair only son, such strife prevailed ; 

To prevent which, let instant proclamation 

Be made through Seville, that on pain of death, 

No one presume armed to walk abroad 

During the time of our abiding here. 

See to it, Gomez ; gentlemen, come on ! 

We halt upon the threshold. Seville, ho ! 

[Exit, with train. 

Enter Hyacinth and Sancho. 

HYACINTH. 

Never credit me, Sancho, if I don't think thee more 
stupid, yea, more obtusely, intensely, and impenetrably 
thick-skulled than ever man or woman was before thee. 

SANCHO. 

You may think so, sir, and say so, too : 'tis ever the 
way when you are perplexed at aught ; when you have on 
colors you love not ; or a sword-knot that sits not well, or 
an over-tightened shoe, — you call me hard names, and so 
make matters better ; but, master Hyacinth. 

HYACINTH. 

Don Hyacinthus, blockhead ! 

SANCHO. 

Don Hyacinthus, blockhead ! 

HYACINTH. 

Thou apish varlet ! have a care ! I shall commit a mis- 
chief! 

SANCHO. 
On your new hose, mayhap, if you lunge too wide; but 
as I know that, for the soul of you, you cannot run, I'll 
speak my mind at this good distance, thus — and then take 
to my heels. When you left Segovia for Seville, your 
father bestowed on you much £ood advice, your mother, 
a purse of gold, and me for servidor ; since which time I 
2* 



18 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

have not ceased to toil in your behalf; but, sir, you have 
grown out of all behavior, and my service beyond all en- 
durance. I will no more be owed my fees by you ; I will 
no more go strutting at your heels in your cast-off apparel, 
which do make me the scoff of all eyes, nor devise, at 
every new town we come to, the monstrous lies you blazon 
yourself forth in. 

• HYACINTH. 

Thou speakest not the thing that is ; id est, thou sayest 
the thing that is not ; 'tis I devise, and thou hast not even 
the wit to utter them. 

SANCHO. 

'Tis conscience chokes them in the utterance. 

HYACINTH. 

Take this, and clear thy conscience's throat withal ; nay, 
honest Sancho, pray thee help my hand into my pocket, 
Sancho, for my mother's sake, who bade thee watch over 
me, Sancho. 

SANCHO. 

Nay, if you touch the virtue of compassion in me, 'tis 
only there I'm weak. 

HYACINTH. 

Oh ! thou art all compassion ! Here, here be thy wages 
for the past, and this I give thee as an earnest ; — art thou 
touched ? 

SANCHO. 

Marry, pierced to the heart ; master, what shall I do 1 

HYACINTH. 

Get thee on to Seville, to a house of resort, called the 
Anchor, with those same things thou bearest upon thy 
back ; be heedful of the straw-colored mantle, good San- 
cho ; and Sancho, I pray thee look to the pink hose, lest 
they be crushed. When thou shalt have safely lodged my 
apparel, not without some observation to attract notice and 



scene ii.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 19 

importance, made whilst thou art unpacking of them, in 
hearing of the guests, the hostess, or even the drawers ; 
such as " Ay, marry ! he's a gallant that owns this mantle; 
the ladies do mightily affect him ;" remember that. 

SANCHO. 

Infect him, — I shall. 

HYACINTH. 

Or this — " These hose he wore upon the very day the 
Countess, what name thou wilt, so it be long enough, and 
end in a 

SANCHO. 

Antarididlearida? 

HYACNTH. 

Mark me, the Countess 

SANCHO. 

Antari — plague on't, I have forgot; Antilly — I have 
forgot the name I found — Antunedonypesthemopora. 

HYACINTH. 

Well, well ; u did so beseech him to supper," — dost 
mark ? 

SANCHO. 

Oh, sir, 'tis an oft taught lesson ; the maids that have 
run from their wits, the wives from their lords, and the 
widows from their weeds, for the love of you, I have no- 
ted in a book ; and in another leaf, the brothers, fathers, 
husbands, lovers, and guardians, that, by your valor, 
were brought as low as their honor was by your love. 

HYACINTH. 

Good, then ; con but o'er thy task, and say it off glibly. 
Well, having deposited my suits, inquire out one Antonio, 
my unc!e, an orange merchant of great note in Seville ; 
greet him from me, and tell him I shall see him this very 
night; that he may look for me : and then, good Sancho, 
get thee to thine inn again, and wait there until I come to 
attire me. 



20 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i: 

SANCHO. 

I will not fail. [Exit. 

HYACINTH. 

My purple suit, with orange slashings ; ay, that shall 
it be ; I marvel what manner of man my uncle, the orange 
merchant, is ; he hath a fair daughter, they say, — 'tis not 
to be doubted she will love me ! My purple suit, a cour- 
tier withal ; moreover, I will spread the news abroad, that 
besides being a most resistless wooer, I'm bound in pro- 
mise to some high-born lady in Segovia, who pines for my 
return. There's nothing so becomes a man, or makes him 
to be sought after by women, as knowing that he hath 
triumphed over all but one ; and that from that one, he is 
in honor bound not to stray ; for 'tis to be thought that 
whatsoever fortunate fair seduces him from his loving alle- 
giance, hath the double delight of winning his heart and 
breaking his lady's. My purple suit — curse on these gall- 
ing shoes! — with orange slashings, and my fire of Egypt 
mantle ! [Exit, 



SCENE III.— AN APARTMENT IN DON PEDRO'S 
HOUSE. 

Flourish of drums and trumpets without. Enter 
from Balcony, Estrella and Don Carlos. 

ESTRELLA. 

I shall be jealous of your loyalty, 

If it come so near the boundary of love, 

Carlos. 

CARLOS. 

Thou can'stnot; for although the King 
From me receives the utmost of affection 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE. 21 

That man can give to man ; the love I bear thee 
And him, are in their natures so distinct, 
So separate, and several in their essence, 
That thou might'st all as soon say that a rose 
And any other flower were of a kind, 
Because they both spring from the earth, have roots, 
Leaves, sap, and blossoms, bud and fade alike : 
And bear, indeed, some common properties, 
Though not the same. 

ESTRELLA. 

A pretty sweet defence ! 
As good as a nosegay ; I shall wrangle with thee 
By the hour, if thou'rt so apt at argument ; 
But for the King 

CARLOS. 

Is he not a fair gentleman ? 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh, for his outward man, thou did'st in nought 

O'er praise him; certes, he's a goodly gentleman ! 

Of the height I love ; the complexion that most pleases 

me ; 
The very air and carriage I am fond of; 
His eyes, and hair too, the color I most fancy. 

CARLOS. 

Here's a panegyric ! 

ESTRELLA. 

You're merry, sir ! I thought you'd have me praise him ; 
Is't not to the height, or shall I straightforth deify him 
Into a very galloping Apollo 1 

CARLOS. 

Nay, love, leave jesting, and speak earnestly. 

ESTRELLA. 

Earnestly, then ; I ne'er saw goodlier gentleman, 
Or one whose outward givings better spake 



22 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

The worth j r ou oft have told me lies within : 
He's very young to be a King. 

CARLOS. 

Two years, 
Aye, just two years, poorer in life than I ; 
We were as like two brothers, my Estrella, 
More like than many that do call one woman mam. 
My father was the old King's oldest friend ; 
Counsel in peace, and service hard in war, 
Earned him the name, and from the earliest time 
Alphonso spelt the rudiments of life, 
We grew together : riding, hawking, tilting ; 
And in the graver lessons of our youth, 
With friendly strife, and kindly emulation, 
We studied side by side. The heathen twins, 
Whose starry image nightly to our eyes 
Is hung in Heaven, were not more true a pair 
Of loving friends, than he and I were then. 

ESTRELLA. 

How fell this loving friendship to its end 1 

Wert thou the apter scholar of the twain ? 

Or — for that's worse, and less to be endured — 

Could'st thou ride better in a crowded ring"? 

Sing better 'neath a silent balcony 1 

Did you both love one lady? Or, perhaps,— 

CARLOS. 

I'll spare thy fancy other random shots : 

Thus fell the chance ; the old King's bastard brother, 

Don Alvar, — you have heard of him ? 

ESTRELLA. 

O yes ; 

The man our nurses made us good withal — 
The Iron Bastard he was called. 

CARLOS. 

He was. 
Mispractices of his, affecting the state's health, 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 23 

And very life, came to my father's knowledge, 
Who straight before the whole assembled council 
Charged him withal ; he stood upon his trial, 
But ere the proof was found, deatli pass'd his sentence 
On judge and criminal alike; the King, 
And this same villain Duke, died suddenly; 
Alphonso vaulted in his father's seat, 
And moved, I think, by th' entreaties of his cousin, 
Don Arias, Alvar's son, broke oft' the suit — 
Forbade all further search or speech upon it, 
And had the matter quash'd ; though on my father 
Not only fell the blame of the defaulter, 
But the'ill-savor of false accusation, 
Having sworn that whose proof did ne'er appear. 

ESTRELLA. 

That was but ill, and would go hard to prove 
Your idol King nor just, nor very grateful. 

CARLOS. 

Ah, my Estrella ! 'tis not fit we judge 

Too hardly of our fellows, whose own souls 

Bear witness hourly to ten thousand frailties 

Which stand unanswered in the sight of Heaven ; 

And least of all, should we be prompt to doom 

Those who upon the precipice of power, 

Swath'd instate trappings, over which they trip, — 

Run in a path all briery with temptations 

Still plucking at their skirt as they pass by : 

Something of coldness fell upon the spring 

And sunshine of our love, from this event ; 

But as it sank into Time's shadowy lap, 

The warm affection of our schoolboy days 

Revived : and since, against that injury 

I weigh my life, which, but for the King's arm, 

At Talavera I had paid the Moor : 

He came between me and mine enemy, 

When not so much of daylight shone betwixt us 

As would have served to read an ave by ; 

The steel that should have dived into my breast 



24 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

Grazed his, — his blood, tS* anointed blood of Spain, 

Flow'd o'er me, in that royal stream 

I was baptized to as firm a faith, 

As dear a love, and true allegiance to him, 

As e'er the waters of the holy fount 

Can buy from new-made Christian soul to Heaven. 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh ! I will love him better yet than thou ! 
I do no longer blame thy loyalty, 
But rather think it plays the failing debtor, 
Paying but half its owings. But, I pray you, 
How came it that you left the court 1 

CARLOS. 

My father, 
Who now had reached the furthest shore of life, 
Was weary of it ; and for mine own part, 
This same King's cousin, this gallant Don Arias, 
Having become Alphonso's second soul, 
Though I in nothing bated of my love 
Or dear devotion to his majesty, 
Was the less loath t' obey my lather's wish, 
And, casting off my courtier's plume and rapier, 
Came to our ancient home near Seville here, 
Where I did lay my father with his fathers, — 
Repaired my estate, which absence and neglect 
Had something damaged, — looked to my possessions, 
Became acquainted with thy brother here, 
And since spent all my time in loving thee. 

ESTRELLA. 

A worthy ending to so fair a story ! 
Heaven send thou change not occupation ! 

CARLOS. 

It is not like ; for, in the whole wide world, 
There's no created thing but still of thee 
Discourses to my senses, and my soul ; 
The universe and all its holds of best, 
Is but a comment to thy virtue's volume. 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE. 25 

ESTRELLA. 

'Tis in the approved fashion, then, my dear lord, 
Three pages of a wond'rous muddy argument, 
To show one word clear that was clear before, 
And little worth the pains to be made darker; 
A note most disproportionate to the text. 

CARLOS. 
There's nothing half so fair, or half so holy ; 
There's nothing half so wise, or half so lovely; 
Nothing so wholly good and excellent, 
As thou, my dear one ! Thou art the very breath 
That in me breathes ; the blood within my veins, — 
Heart of my heart, and spirit of rny spirit ; 
My nearest and dearest of life, my essential self! 

ESTRELLA. 
Pray leave protesting, sir, unless vou wish 
To burn my blushes out ; I shaVt have one 
To help me look becomingly to-morrow, 
An' you waste them all to-day. 

CARLOS. 

To-morrow ! Estrella, 

Tell me, tell me, dost thou love me 

As I love thee 1 

ESTRELLA. 
No, this living light ! 

Not as thou lov'st me ; not in the self-same way, 
For that's a question I could ne'er have asked thee. 

CARLOS. 

Why not ? 

ESTRELLA. 

Why not 1 Because — here comes my brother. 
Enter Don Pedro. 

PEDRO. 

Good morrow, Carlos : Heaven bless thee, dearest ! 
3 



26 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh, you're well come ! his lordship's but dull company 
Of a forenoon, when the weather's warm and drowsy. 

PEDRO. 
Was't thou i' the balcony when the King passed 1 

ESTRELLA. 

Who, I ? — I look from an open balcony 
To see gay cavaliers go prancing by 1 
Fie ! I was in my oratory at prayers. 

PEDRO. 

Ah ! 'tis as easy keep a woman's eyes 
From gazing — 

ESTRELLA. 

As a man's mouth from foul speaking. 
Say I was in the balcony, — what then 1 

PEDRO. 

Wert thou along with her 1 

CARLOS. 

No, I had joined 
The train at the city-gate, and rode along 
Thus far, but left the royal pageant here. 

PEDRO. 

Ah ! that's well thought on , there's a say abroad, 
That riding up to the landing-place, some words 
Passed 7 twixt you and the Bastard's boy, Don Arias. 

CARLOS. 

Oh these long ears o' the many ! No such matter; 
The path at the landing being narrow, the King, 
Out of his grace, and loving welcome to me, 
Drew my bridle towards him, — in the doing which, 
Don Arias, who was riding at his side, 
Was fain to back from the straightness of the road, 
And that's the words we had. 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 27 

PEDRO. 

It may make some. 
And when tliou wert at prayers in th' oratory, 
Wert thou attired thus ? 

ESTRELLA. 

Beshrew my heart ! 
But thou'rt in the very mood of curious questions. 
No, I had on a yellow farthingale, 
And a green jacket, and a scarlet mantle, 
Pick'd out with blue and pink; — what then] 

PEDRO. 

Why then — 

Umph ! then there were some danger in those eyes. 

Carlos, there is a banquet held at the palace 

At set of sun in honor of the King ; 

Thou'rt bid. 

CARLOS. 

I cannot answer that same bidding; 
For ere sunset I must be many miles 
Towards Valentar. All is not yet prepared, 
Nor in the fitting order I would have it, 
To welcome well the lady of its lord. 
I love that dear old home ! My mother lived there 
Her first sweet marriage years, and last sad widow'd 

ones: 
Something of old ancestral pride it keeps, 
Though fallen from its earlier power and vastness : 
Marry ! we're not so wealthy as we were, 
Nor yet so warlike : still it holds enough 
Of ancient strength and state to prompt the memory 
To many a " wherefore," and for every answer 
You shall have stories long and wonderful, 
Enough to make a ballad monger's fortune. 
Old trees do grow around its old grey walls, 
The fellows of my mouldering grandfathers : 
Faith ! they do mock us with their young old age, 
These giant wearers of a thousand summers ! 



28 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

Strange, that the seed we sow should bloom and flourish 

When we are faded, flower, fruit, and all ; 

Or, for all things to tend to reproduction, 

Serving th' eternal purposes of life, 

Drawing a vigorous sap into their veins 

From the soil our very bodies fertilize. 

ESTRELLA. 

You have left your home that is, for that which will be : 
Pray you, some more of that same ancient dwelling. 

CARLOS. 
Nay, I have said too much on't ; but that there 
The sunlight seems to my eyes brighter far 
Than wheresoever else. I know the forms 
Of every tree and mountain, hill and dell ; 
The waters gurgle forth a tongue I know, — 
It is my home, it will be thine, Estrella ; 
And every leafy glade, and shadowy path, 
Sweet sunny slope, and echo-haunted hollow, 
Hath heard thy name a thousand, thousand times. 

ESTRELLA. 
They're all the likelier to be weary of it, 
Unless they hold a longer constancy, 
As well as life, than men. 

PEDRO. 

Then thou wilt not 
To-night to the palace. 

CARLOS. 

No ; but thou wilt, Pedro. 

PEDRO. 

Indeed, his Highness pressed me so severely, 
'Tis the best word for such strained courtesy, 
He left me scarce the choice to stay away. 

ESTRELLA. 

And wherefore should'st thou 1 'twill be such a sight 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE. 29 

As Seville halh not seen this many a year: 
I would the King had bid me to this banquet. 

PEDRO. 

So would not I : — indeed I cannot tell ; 

I am not apt to fall in sudden love, 

Or sudden loathing, without further reason 

Than fancy's humorous promptings, or exceptions, 

But there is that about this beardless king ; — 

Faith, he'd have made a better page to a lady, 

And, if all tales be true, have liked the service. 

CARLOS. 

That he is young, argues him not unfit 
For his high office ; for the healthful vigor 
Of a young spirit should give the life of action 
To those good counsels of his wise advisers 
Which are cold breath upon the lips of age. 

PEDRO. 

His counsellors, I take it — those he hearkens to — 

Wear brains as sudden and as hot as his, 

Green and sour wisdom, such as oftenest drops 

From sapling bearers, most unlike the ripe 

And mellow fruit of time. The King, besides, 

Hath but an evil name among grave men, 

For the unbounded licence of his pleasures ; 

And Fame doth paint her cheeks with modest blushes^ 

Telling how freely riot and excess 

Hold fellowship with stately royalty, 

And shake the prostituted hand of power, 

CARLOS. 

'Tis a sore trial to be young, well-favored, 
And therewithal a King : believe me, Pedro, 
Men thus endowed with fortune's lavish favors 
Need sue but little to win easy loves : 
JNay, 'tis impossible they should escape 
The wooing of the wanton willingness 
That beckons wealth and power. Fie ! 'tis a shames 
3* 



30 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

To think how women, this good world calls honest, 
"Will play the wanton in spirit, if not in deed, 
Flinging aside all modest nice respect 
Of maiden pride, and matron state, to win 
The sway and masterdom of such a one, 
Buying such hollow trash with their best jewels ; 
Nor is't in nature that a man, whose blood 
Runs warmly through the lusty veins of youth, 
And lifts his spirit, like a bounding vessel, 
Upon the swelling flood of this spring-tide, 
Should, spite of the quick promptings of life's May, 
And all soliciting and yielding circumstance, 
Hold continent sway o'er his unruly passions. 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh ! I commend your charity, my lord ! 

And think it second only to your moral. 

We'll have you fee'd the prodigal's prime advocate — 

King's counsel in the high court of misrule : 

'Tis a foul cause to be so fairly pleaded 1 

CARLOS. 

Let not my words meet ill interpretation ; 

And least from thee, whose image still hath been 

The very shrine enfolding purity 

Whereto my thoughts bore chaste and constant worship. 

It is because myself have still been kept 

From stain or touch of such licentiousness 

As youth still squanders his best havings in, 

By the all-guarding talisman of love, 

That I am slower to fall out with those 

Who, having no such charm against the devil, 

Are caught i' th' net. Had'st thou the same respect, 

Pedro, thou'dst not have censured so severely 

Alphonso's frailty. 

PEDRO. 

And how dost thou know 
I'm not for all the world as much in love 
As thou, for all the justice of my censure ? 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE. 31 

ESTRELLA. 

Art thou in love 1 — with whom art thou in love ! 
What is her name 1 Is she as tall as I am ? 
Hath she 

PEDRO. 

What say you to my question, Carlos ] 

CARLOS. 

Thou canst not, in the first place, love as I do ; 
For, by this living light, I do love more ! 

PEDRO. 

Than ever lover loved his love before ! 

So runs the tale of every Celadon, 

Who ever yet in court, or camp, or city, 

In lighted hall, or sylvan solitude, 

Pour'd forth his soul in the self-same comparison, 

That served our grandsire in his garden bower 

E're murder came in fashion. 

CARLOS. 

Oh, Pedro ! pardon me; thou ne'er didst love ! 
'Tis writ in the smooth margin of thy brow, 
And in the steady lustre of thine eye. 
Thy blood did never riot through thy veins 
With the distemper'd hurried course of love ; 
Thy heart did never shake thy shuddering frame 
With the thick startled throbbing pulse of love : 
Thou hast ne'er wept love's bitter burning tears ; 
Hoped with love's wild unutterable hope, 
Nordrown'd in love's dark fathomless despair. 
Thine is a stedfast and a fixed nature, 
'Gainst which the tide of passion and desire 
Breaks harmless as the water o'er the rock, 
And the rich light of beauty shines alone 
On thy soul's surface, leaving all beneath it 
Unmoved and cold as subterranean springs. 
Love hath no power o'er spirits such as thine, 
Nor comes not nigh to them. 



32 STAR OF SEVILLE, [act i. 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh ! tell me, Pedro, 
Whom hast thou loved % 

PEDRO. 
Thee, from thy cradle upwards ! 

ESTRELLA. 

Nay ; but whom dost thus love X 

PEDRO. 

Thee, more than life ! 

ESTRELLA. 

Flouter, wilt thou not answer me in seriousness 1 

PEDRO. 

Some other time, sweet ; but for that, no matter 

Whether my heart hath bled beneath the dart, 

Or whether there hath stuck no arrow there : 

I know the very difference that lies 

Twixt hallow'd love and base unholy lust; 

I know the one is as a golden spur, 

Urging the spirit to all noblest aims ; 

The other but a foul and miry pit 

Overthrowing it in the midst of its career; 

I know the one is as a living spring 

Of virtuous thoughts, true dealings, and brave deeds — 

Nobler than glory, and more sweet than pleasure, — 

Richer than wealth, begetter of more excellence 

Than aught that from this earth corrupt takes birth, 

Second alone in the fair fruit it bears 

To the unmixed ore of true devotion : 

I know, that lust is all of this, spelt backwards ; 

Fouler than shame, and bitterer than sorrow, 

More loathly than most abject penury — 

Nor hath it fruit or bearing to requite it, 

Save sick satiety and good men's scorn. 

He that doth serve true love I love and honor ; 

And he that is lust's slave, I do despise, 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 33 

Though he were twenty times the King of Spain ; 
Wherewith I do commend me to your favors, 
And leave ye to }'our parting undisturbed. 
Carlos, at what o'clock wilt thou return to-morrow? 

CARLOS. 

Two hours ere noon my horse shall get him wings. 

PEDRO. 

An hour ere noon we fix the wedding then ; 
'Twill give thee time to rest, and make thee brave. 
Farewell, my brotber ! 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh ! wilt thou not tell us 
Something of thy fair lady love, dear Pedro 1 

PEDRO. 

Some day when I shall sit between you two 
At Valentar, with a young round-eyed nephew 
Upon my knee, I'll tell ye all the story, 
And how it fell that I at length resolved 
To have no wife nor mistress, child nor heir, 
Save this fair baggage, Heaven save the mark ! 
Who hath cost me as much trouble as them all. 



ESTRELLA. 

And loved thee for them all, my kindest brother! 
Oh ! Carlos, thou must love me well, indeed, 
For in myself I give to thy possession 
The child of such a rare and deep affection — » 
Oh, thou must love me passing well, dear Carlos ! 

CARLOS. 

Dost thou not think that I shall love thee well? 
Dost thou not know that in this air-clipped earth 
There's no created thing I love like thee ? 
Tell me — oh ! tell me, sweetest, dearest, best ! 
Dost thou not feel how utterly I love thee 1 
Speak to me, dear Estrella j do not turn 



[Exit, 



34 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

Thy fair eyes from me — there are tears in them ! 
What have I done ? Have I offended thee 1 
Upon my knees, here at thy feet I'll lie, 
Doing too blest a penance for my sin, 
Till thou forgive me : wherefore dost thou weep 1 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh, nature knows no other coin for joy 

Or grief, but melts them both alike in tears : 

I have a thousand stifling feelings press 

My heart to bursting; joy to the height of pain 

Comes like a flood upon my every sense ; 

Thy voice runs through my frame like the soft touch 

Of summer winds o'er trembling harp-strings playing, 

Thy gentle words and looks that, though I love, 

I dare not meet, make my soul faint within me. 

Oh, Carlos! there is pain in this deep pleasure, 

And e'en our joys taste of earth's bitter root ; 

Besides, there is a thought that, hand in hand 

With the sweet promise of our marriage, comes 

Like shadow upon sunlight — I must go 

From my dear home — the home of all my life, 

Where I have lived, oh ! such a happy time ! 

Aurora's tears are not more like each other 

Than the bright ever-blessed maiden hours 

That the sun of time has, one by one, dried up. 

CARLOS. 

Sweet, let not that darken thy fancy's glass : 
'Tis well when what's to come looks dark and dull ; 
To turn to the past, if haply joy dwelt there 
But by so much as the sweet summer's noon, 
When the earth wears its July pride of blossom, 
O'ertops the fresh and pearl-bedimmed hour 
Of earlier morning in th' unripe year's spring, 
By so much shall thy blessedness to come 
Out-noon thy gentle morn of virgin life. 

ESTRELLA. 

Shall it, indeed ! but then, my brother, Carlos, 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 35 

I fear he'll miss me sadly when I'm gone ; 

He says not much but for the last three days 

I've marked him wander up and down the house, 

Noting my favorite chambers, sitting down 

Where I love best to sit at work or play : 

And then he sighs, good faith ! for all the world, 

As I were gone already. Yesterday, 

As I was singing to my lute to him, 

When 1 had done he took it from my hand, 

And passing o'er the last few broken chords, 

Said, ,; Leave thy lute with me, sweet sister." Trust me, 

I think he'll be as lonely as a bird 

Without its mate, sad as a silent feast, 

Single as a stray glove, and all as purposeless ; 

And this it is that makes me sorrowful. 

CARLOS. 

Oh, gentle soul ! — but, hear me, my Estrella : 
When thou art gone from hence, these empty walls 
Will hold but little of his heart; I'll tell thee— 
We'll make him leave this lonely home of his, 
And come and dwell with us at Valentar ; 
Shall we do this ? 

ESTRELLA. 

Oh, yes ! oh, yes we will! 
Oh, we shall be the happiest three alive ! 
He, thou, and I, in your old castle hall, 
And such a merry life as we will lead, 
Shall be a very fairy tale of happiness. 
Oh ! 'twill be Paradise ! 

CARLOS. 

It will, indeed ! 
But now I must be gone, with all best speed, 
To ope its gates unto its ruling angel. 
Farewell ! mine own. 

ESTRELLA. 

Not so, until to-morrow. 
I am yet mine to-day. 



36 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act i. 

CARLOS. 

True, my fair queen ; 
Then being thine, wilt thou not kindly grant, 
What given, is so much sweeter far than claimed — 
One kiss. 

ESTRELLA. 

No, by my faith ! 'twas urged amiss ; 
Since I may not to-morrow say thee nay, 
At least I'll keep my privilege to-day. 

CARLOS. 

But why to grant thy privilege not use, 

Since come to-morrow, thou mayst not refuse ? 

ESTRELLA. 

Because — no, I'll give no reason for the nonce, 
I will not. 

CARLOS. 

Fare thee well. 

ESTRELLA. 

Farewell, my lord. 
Is not your lordship gone ? 

CARLOS. 

Not yet — farewell ! 

ESTRELLA. 

Farewell ! I wish you a fair ride, swift horse, 
Smooth road, safe journey — and what more? 

CARLOS. 

That kiss — 

ESTRELLA. 

Beshrew thee for a spendthrift that dost make me 
Lose my good time in silly bargaining. 

CARLOS. 

That kiss— 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE* 37 

ESTRELLA. 

If I should live an hundred years, 
I'll ne'er give thee another. 

CARLOS. 

Granted so — 
Give thou but this, I will take all the rest. 
Upon thy soft lips lay I this fond seal 
Unto our plighted faith ; and all blest saints, 
That register the sacred vows of souls 
Moved by chaste love, bear witness to the pledge ! 

ESTRELLA. 

By this first kiss that e'er upon ray lips 

Was laid by man, I do as truly give 

My duty, love, and life, to thee for ever; 

And heaven forsake me when I break this troth \ 

CARLOS. 

Oh, help me, with thy gentle prayers, to lead 
The crippled hours away that halt between 
Us and our happiness : all angels guard thee ! 

(Exit. 

ESTRELLA. 

Now heaven bless me for a silly wench ! 

Why he is gone far out o' sight or hearing ; 

'Tis only air I gaze upon so wide : 

By my good faith ! 'tis true I cannot see him. 

To-morrow ! oh to-morrow ! — oh, that love 

Held old Time's hour-glass ; for he would shake 

The pouring sand so swiftly through, that day 

Should sink this moment in night's swartky arms, 

And straight come blushing back to light the world ! 

Come night, quench thou this bright mote-peopled ray ; 

Oh ! that to*morrow were but called to day 1 

[Exit. 

END OF ACT I. 

4 



38 STAR OF SEVILLE. act n. 



ACT II. 



SCENE I.— A STREET IN SEVILLE. 

Enter curio and valentine. 

CURIO. 

Sir, for a ducat, it was as I tell you. 

VALENTINE. 

I was not far behind } r ou, and I saw 
Nothing of this. 

CURIO. 

He pushed his horse athwart Don Arias, 

And ploughed him out o' the path, or I'm a Moor. 

VALENTINE. 

W hat said the King 1 

curio. 
You know the King, God save him ! 
Was Carlos' school-day brother, and lie seemed 
So glad to bid him hail, that, for the time, 
The favorite's balance kicked the beam. 

VALENTINE. 

Here comes the man : who is he walking with t 

CURIO. 

The grave old counsellor i' the mourning robe, 
Whose son was killed in a broil at Saragossa ; 
So life and death, wisdom and vanity, 
Still in this world go ambling side by side. 
Save your good lordships ! 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE 39 

Enter gomez and arias. 

ARIAS. 

Gentlemen, God save ye ! 

GOMEZ. 

But, my lord, if it was as you do think, — 

Or if you think it was as you do say, 

How comes it that you took th' affront so kindly, 

Who are nothing slack to let your blood boil o'er 

On some occasions X 

ARIAS. 

Let it pass, my lord ; 
I had my reasons. — Gentlemen, the King 
Has bid me welcome you to his new court, 
And challenge all with courteous kind defiance 
To do him reason in mirth's glittering lists ; 
You are all bid, and will be welcome all, — 
And if you chance to have fair wives or sisters, 
You will be all the welcomer : the King, 
At the good Lord Archbishop's entertained, 
And there does purpose entertaining you. 

CURIO. 

We have our conge 

VALENTINE. 
Fare you well, my Lord. 

ARIAS. 

Your slave, kind gentlemen. 

[Exeunt curio and valentine* 
Sweet Seville manners ! 
Did ye mark that drawl o' the leg in's bow 1 
He bowed, for all the world, as though his body 
Took me for a pawnbroker, and meant to leave. 
His leg in pledge behind. 

GOMEZ. 

I did not note. 



40 STAR OF SEVILLE [act u 

ARIAS. 

You're something blind,. I think, 
You're lucky. 

GOMEZ. 

'Tis the twilight time of life with me, 

And then,, you know, all objects lose their outlines, 

ARIAS. 

; Tis very fit you should be blind ; the fashion 
In such a matter's not to be neglected,. 
And to see with your eyes were such a strangeness 
As would make a most notorious monster of you. 

GOMEZ. 

I am much bound to time ; but for all that, 

Would rather ape than own such nice infirmities, 

But pray, my lord, now that we are alone, 

May 1 be bold again to ask you why, 

Since you conceive Don Carlos hath aggrieved you, 

You backed so readily and bore so christian-like 

The wrong? 

ARIAS. 

Let those who stand upon the verge of power, 
Whose edges are but slippery and unsafe, 
Fear lest the summer wind should blow them off: 
1; hold the centre point o' the King's affection, 
And nothing own the jealousy of fear, 
Though something still a sense of injury. 
They were dear school-fellows, once on a day, 
And my royal cousin loves, a new face dearly, 
And his was old enough to be a new : 
They had not met for some six years, I think ; 
But I am not in case to hang myself, 
Though Carlos were ten times a better courtier. 

GOMEZ. 

I'm glad your Lordship's laid such good foundation 
In the unsound and shifting; sands of favor :. 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 41 

But, sir — and let it nothing move your anger 
That I am bold to speak my mind to you, 
But rather let my dignity of age 
Stand peer with your more honorable station, — 
You do not 'scape the touch of some reproof 
For the means whereby you've rivetted yourself 
To the King's love. 



ARIAS. 

Ha ! what ! — there was no witchcraft 
I' the matter. 

GOMEZ. 

No, I believe, sir, none ; 
But something haply of too broad compliance 
With the Kings' humors, which, and 'tis no sin, 
Smack of his years. 

ARIAS. 

Now, Heaven save the mark ! 
I am his younger, worthy lord, by twice 
Red autumn's birth-days, and your lordship knows 
I reverence my elders : I protest 
I always look to him for grave examples, 
And nothing doubting, follow those he gives me. 
Oh! my good lord, my innocence is wounded. 

GOMEZ. 
It hath a gash bigger than its whole body, 
For I think as sorely wounded as it is, 
An inch of lint would swathe it round and round. 
But, sir, if you did fairly gain that height 
You hold i' the King's affection, at the least 
You have not used it to such fruitful end, 
For the people's weal, as you had opportunity, 
And 'tis the common voice that you are rather 
The prompter of his highness's too large pleasures, 
The quick deviser of these full excesses, 
Than a mere actor in the revel rout, 



42 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act n. 



ARIAS. 

Enough ! enough for once ; long homilies 

Are hemlock to me. Used my power for good ! 

Now, by St. Anthony ! I am the man, 

Do keep the King in humor with ye all, 

And 'cause I rather single out o' the fold 

One sheep to throw the wolf, than let him harry 

The trembling flock, they now cry out upon me 1 

They'd better let their King sleep in love's arms, 

Than wake in those of war — taxes, exactions, 

With all the drains through which princes are wont 

To suck the people's blood and substance are unknown- 

And save a dark eyed Donna, here and there. 

The King levies no tribute on the mass, 

Nor asks for other hostage of their loves- 

By my troth, a godly King! Then, sir, for me, 

1 am the fellow at the chimney-corner, 

Who keeps the fire alive that warms you all. 

GOMEZ. 

A very worthy, charitable offiGe- 

ARIAS. 

No sinecure, o' my conscience ! For the most part 
My best reward are blistered fingers' ends ; 
And the people's gratitude right soothing satve- 
He's in some things a very heathenish man 
For a christian King, and hath no more respect 
For what I hold the finest thing in nature, 
A fair bald head, than for "a smooth round turnip- 
A very graceless youth — tho' I'm his cousin. 
Oh, my Lord Gomez! I have seen his highness 
Come champing out o' the council^ muttering — 
« That bald old fool." 

GOMEZ. 

Of me! 

ARIAS. 

Your reverend lordships 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE, 43 

That bald old fool ! Then step I in, d'ye see, 
And fling the golden locks of some bright girl 
Over your lordship's baldness — and your lordship 
Remains in office, and the people profit 
By your lordship's zeal and wisdom in their service. 

GOMEZ. 

A very useful, honorable employ ! 

ARIAS. 

The people, as the muddy spawn is called, 

Are villain slaves, that do not know their friends : 

By my soul ! I'll leave them to the tender mercies 

Of my King cousin ; they had better keep 

His mistresses, than let him be their master — 

But for this same morality you talk of, 

I'll make good use on't, worthy lord, be sure. 

Enter Page. 

PAGE. 

May it please you, noble sir, attend the King. 
ARIAS. 

I' the instant. 

[Exit Page. 
Now your lordship sees that t 
Seek not the mountain, but the mountain me ; 
But I'll not fail to give his Majesty 
The very essence of your homily. 
Farewell, old honest lord — good Mumblesaws. 

[Exeunt 



44 STAR OF SEVILLE. [ ACT 11. 



SCENE II.— A CHAMBER IN THE ARCHBISHOP 
OF SEVILLE'S PALACE. 



The King Discovered. 



king. 



5 Tis not in nature to outgo conceit ; 
Yet have mine eyes this very day beheld 
That which no fancy ever yet did parallel, 
Though 'twere the rarest weaving poet's brain 
Was ever loom to. Excellent perfection ! 
That did outshine things brightest at their noon. 
The pomp and glittering pride of glowing rubies 
Look'd pale by the living color of her blood, 
And, with a glory that outfaced the sun, 
Her eyes at mid-day shone like undimmed stars. 

Enter Arias. 

Ho ! Welcome, Cousin ! welcome, my good Arias ! 
Answer me briefly, as I question thee, 
Didst mark in the high street, as we rode along 
This morning, at her balcony, a lady 1 

ARIAS. 

I did. 

- KING. 

Dost know her name X 

ARIAS. 

I do. 

KING. 

EstrellaT 

ARIAS. 

The same. 



scene ii] STAR OF SEVILLE. 45 

KING. 

Dost know her brother, Pedro de Roella? 

ARIAS. 

I do. 

KING. 

I love that lady well % 

ARIAS. 

May't please you, sir, 
Is that a question ? 

KING. 

Psha ! ay, a score in one. 

How is she to be begged, bought, stolen, wooed > won- — 

How can I make her mine 1 

ARIAS. 

Sir, you can marry her. 

KING. 

Marry her, good sooth! That's news. Can I do so? 

It is not yet the time of life with me 

When I can squeeze myself into the compass 

Of that same narrow gold eternity 

We wed, withal. Come, come, to thy inventions. 

1M give thee a second cousin like thyself, 

Born all as out of rule, and make him a duke- 

Or prince, or perhaps a bishop — 

ARIAS * 

Please your grace,. 
There is a sin of which I would forwarn you — 
Incontinence, great sir's a deadly sm 
For whichi I take it, we shall make dear account 
In flesh and spirit, or I'm ill informed ; 
And, sir, there is a virtue, christened continence, 
Which, like a precious carbuncle, outshines 
AH other excellencies,. 



46 STAR OF SEVILLE. [vc T n 

KING. 

What's in the moon ! art mad ! 
Sure, thou'st been bit by some half- frozen novice ! 

ARIAS. 

Oh, sir ! modesty — 'tis a sweet-favor'd quality ; 
And soberness, and temperance, and chastity, 
Three goodlier graces than the heathen Venus 
Did e'er, in Cyprian groves, disport her with. 

KING. 
Hark thee, my cousin ! thou art out of tune 
With my humor, and I counsel thee 
To wind thy jangling strings to a better pitch, 
Lest we make discord presently, my cousin. 
What holy devil art thou plagued withal! 
We'll have thee exercised. 

ARIAS. 

By black-eyed, laughing saints 
Then let it be, my liege ! and let them pour 
AVine over me instead of the blessed stream 
In the abbey fount : — ha ! ha ! ha ! — oh ! my liege, 
Did I not do it well? for all the world, 
Like a withered abbess who has left all sin, 
AVlien sin, forsooth, will have no more of her, 

KING. 

Too well ; for I would now lose not an instant 
In the furthering of my wishes ; tell me, Arias, 
How can I compass my desire ? 

ARIAS. 

Her brother — • 
Is there no jewelled collar-gilded office- 
No bribe of state to muzzle him withal 1 

KING. 
Trust me, I do not think he's such a one 
As can be so tied up ; there's a cold bearing, 
And grave, severe aspect about the man, 



scene ii] STAR OF SEVILLE. 4? 

That made my spirit pay him such respect 

As though he dwelt 'neath age's silvery penthouse* 

Despite his unripe years. 

ARIAS. 
Not to be bought ! 
That r s strange, and much confounds me ; 'tisn't in 
The line of march I am accustom'd to. 
Not to be bribed ! perhaps the lady, sir, 
May be as incorruptible as he, 
And then our labor's lost i' the hoped-for issue. 

KING. 
All women have their prices ; be't in gold, 
In honors, titles, jewels, gay apparel, 
Or in commodities than these less solid, 
Flattery, and the light breath of words persuasive. 
Do thou but find the means to approach the fortress, 
My crown against a straw, it proves no Troy. 
There may be one, among ten thousand men, 
That would not sell his honor ; but the world 
Holds not, nor ever did, nor ever will, 
A woman framed so hard, impenetrable. 
How can we meet ? 

ARIAS. 

Ay, how — when — where — but soft, 

I've found it ; 'tis an excellent device, 

And needs but secresy, and a good wit ; 

The lady's brother comes to-night to the banquet, 

Whilst she holds lonely state at home. 

KING. 

What thence 1 

ARIAS. 

Say that the dance should heat your grace too much ; 
Some sudden mist, or heady dizziness, 
From the quick action of the blood sent up 
To the clear brain, infecting it with heaviness, 
Might furnish you with reasons to withdraw, 



48 STAR OF SEVILLE, ' [act u. 

Leave me director of the royal revel, 
And while I keep all hearts afloat with mirth,— 
Soft music, banqueting, and all delights— 
You know the lady's house 1 

KING. 

Oh ! on my soul 
It shall be thus — but lest on my departure 
The feast grow tame, and others should be gone, — 
For where the leader moves, the blind herd follow — 

ARIAS. 

Leave that to me ; your highness shall be troubled 
With no companion through the streets to-night : 
If but one sleepy guest do stir towards home 
Till you are to your palace walls returned, 
Ne'er trust me for a witless blunderer. 

KING. 
If this attempt do reach the wish'd-for end-, 
Be sure thou shalt know something of my joy. 
In tokens that shall best become thy zeal, 
And the surpassing prize I venture for. 

[Exeu?iU 



SCENE III.— AN APARTMENT IN DON PEDRO'S 
HOUSE— A WINDOW ON ONE SIDE, ON THE 
OTHER AN ORATORY. 



Estuella and Ursula discovered. 

URSULA. 

All these— and these ! Marry, we must have galleys 
by water, and wains by land, to bear thy apparel to thy 
new home, maiden ! 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 49 

ESTRELLA. 

Leave looking o'er them, nurse, and sit down here* 

Thou shalt do that when I am gone to bed. 

Sit here, in thine old place, good Ursula ; 

Reach me the footstool : now begin and tell me 

One of those stories old, of moorish maids 

And christian knights, and wizard lore full strange, 

As thou wert wont— now, whilst thou braid'st my hair. 

URSULA. 

What, art thou thinking of thy sleep already ? 

E STRELLA. 

I'm weary of to-day ; I'll get to bed, 

It will be morrow sooner when I sleep. 

Come, gossip, dear ) be sure a wond'rous story ; 

All golden halls, and pearl strewn tapestry, 

And Indian spicy wainscoting, and curtains 

O' the crimson damask, glittering o'er with gems, 

To give me shining dreams — come, now begin. 

URSULA. 

I'll tell thee the tale of the christian knight who slew 
the villain sorcerer of Ebolis. 

ESTRELLA. 

No, that's all fighting ; I'll have none of it, — 
Gashes, and corslets hack'd, and helmets dented. 

URSULA. 
I'll tell thee the story of Moraim, the Moorish maid, 
whose love was a fair christian page, born in Castille. 

ESTRELLA. 

No, no ; not that one. 

URSULA* 

Why not that one, honey ? 

ESTRELLA* 

I do remember it, 'tis full of love, 
5 



50 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act ii. 

Voluptuous like the noon-day breath of roses, 
It is too passionate — I will not hear it ; 
Some other. 

URSULA. 

By my troth ! I had need coin them ; 
Lay thy head thus that I may reach thy hair, 
Dear chick ; I shall not braid it e'er again for thee. 
Beshrew me ! that I weep ; God keep thee, dove ! 
And make thee one of his. 

ESTRELLA. 

Amen, sweet nurse ! 

URSULA. 

Now listen. There dwelt a knight once, near the 
Moorish land, in a high castle, strong and stout for the 
nonce, as he had need, and he was brave and young, and 
moreover fair to look on ; and this knight had a beautiful 
sister whom he loved for all the world — 

ESTRELLA. 

As Pedro loves me. 

URSULA. 

Yea, even so, sweet ; well, in all Spain was none so 
fair as this maiden, whose name was called May Flower, 
for she was as sweet as spring flowers when they blow. 
What, art thou listening 1 

ESTRELLA. 

Ay, go on, go on ; sweet as a May-bud — 
You see I heard. 

URSULA. 

Thy dark lash droops to thy velvet cheek ; thou'rt 
half asleep. 

ESTRELLA, 

Carlos! dear Carlos! 

URSULA. 

She sleeps, by my good faith ! Hark ! mistress ! lady * 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE. 51 

chick! lie not aslant thus, thou'lt get aches, ere age ; get 
up, and sleep in thy bed, 'twere best, sweet. 

ESTRELLA. 

The dreaming poppies drop upon my lids ; 
Oh, me ! I'm heavy — I'll to bed ; Good nurse, 
Help me to doff my vest ; take thou good care 
Of all these gay attires, they be rich gifts 
From my good kinsfolk. 

URSULA. 

Marriage gifts, nay, troth, there was no need to blush : 
shall I put these away, and these, and this ? (taking up a 
rosary.) Thou wilt not need it, for to-night thou art too 
full of love and sleep, to pray. My life, but every bead 
thou whisperest his name, 'stead of an ave. 

ESTRELLA. 

Believe it not ; the love I bear my love 

Takes nought from that devout and deep affection 

I owe to Heaven ; oh ! I pray better and more earnestly 

Than e'er before, for now I pray for him ; 

My lord, my husband ! — Give me the rosary. 

(She goes into the Oratory, and kneels, while 
the nurse busies herself about the room.) 

estrella. (Returning.) 
Good night, sweet nurse ! 

URSULA. 

What, shall I not sit by thee, till thou'rt asleep t 

ESTRELLA. 

No, I would be alone ; my thoughts are all 
Like mingled colors, bright but indistinct. 

URSULA. 

Well, get thee to bed then; If I leave thee, be sure 
thou open not the casement to smell the night-buds of the 
jessamine and orange flower, nor watch the moon until she 
meet the morning ; be sure thou get to bed. 



52 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act if. 

ESTRELLA. 

I will, I will ; good night ! 

URSULA. « 

Heaven keep thee, bird \ (Exit. 

ESTRELLA. 

'Tis a strange life ; and in my hand I hold 
Its strangest riddle : a throbbing, restless joy- 
Beats in my heart and flutters there like fear ^ 
My little day of life comes back o'er me ; 
My past existence, Heaven has made it sweet,. 
Unmixed with any taint of bitterness, 
And the bright future, like a sunny land 
Descried afar, stretches like paradise 
In rosy bowers and golden fields before me. 
Farewell, my home ! farewell, my pleasant chamber, 
Where time and I have still been gay companions ; 
Farewell, my virgin couch, which I shall press 
No more with slumbers light, and smiling dreams, 
That were not brighter than reality. 
Night spreads her raven wings, and nearsthe earth ; 
My blood's on fire ! Gh ! for a breath of ai* 
From the cool gardens underneath the balcony ! 
Once more I'll listen to the rustling boughs 
Beneath whose leafy screens I've 'scaped the surc- 
Of eighteen summers ; and, for the last time, 
Mark how the moon-beams pierce the crystal folds 
Of yonder fount. ( Opens window.) 

Sleep hangs upon them all ; 
The trees do rock, the waters flow in sleep, 
The sleepy stars wink in their sapphire beds,. 
The air breathes gently, heaving in its sleep, 
And the round world spins sleepily on 's axis, 
I'll to me couch ; mine eyes reflect no more 
This earth's fair picture: 'tis night, 'twill soon be morrow. 
Now then to dream of him, till he returns. 



scene in J STAR OF SEVILLE. 53 

Fare thee well, sweetheart ! Good night, Carlos, — 
husband ! 

(She lies down and sleeps. Enter the King 
from balcony.) 

KING. 

Oh, prosperous fate ! Lo ! to the very harbor — ■ 

So true a pilot is true love, I've steered. 

She sleeps ! Oh, beauty ! richer far than all 

The hidden wealth of earth's wide treasuries ! 

How round her delicate limbs the pillows swell, 

Upbearing her with amorous gentle pressure ; 

How soft and even comes her balmy breath, 

And on the measured heaving of her breast, 

Peace and all virtuous thoughts lie slumbering. 

Why do I pause ? yet I am loth to break 

This holiest slumber? Love ! oh, love, what lips! 

No blossom of so rare a hue did e'er 

Drink spring's fresh showers ; no fruit so sweet and 

melting 
Did ever ripen in the summer's sun. 
Mine eyes grow dim ! 
Wake, thou fair creature ! 

(He lays his hand upon her arm, she starts and 
screams. Enter Pedro, by Balcony. 

PEDRO. 

Hell? 
And all its devils t loosen thy lewd grasp ! 
Robber and slave ! stand from beside that couch, 
Or, by my soul! I'll unrip thine from thy body ! 

( The King, who has put on a mask, draws his 
sword.) 
I do not fear the cold shine of thy steel, 
Thou coward thief! 

(They struggle — Pedro secures the sword.) 
Now, what shall hinder me 
From making ribbons of those silken swathings, 
And gashing that fair flesh with ugly wounds 
Shall mar your courting, lord? 



54 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act if. 

KING. 

You dare not do 't. 

PEDRO.. 

Hence by the way thou cam'st, and tempt me not 

Another minute, lest I strike thee down, 

And trample thee, defenceless as thou art : 

Hence, hence, I say ! 

(He strikes him with the fiat of his sword, and 
drives him towards the balcony, from which 
he leaps.) 

King! King Alphonso,. dog ! I knew thee 

And did not send Heaven's purifying breath 

Thro' thy stale heart, nor let some of the lust, 

That clogs thy blood, out of thy swollen veins ! 

Arm'd, too, — 'twas fit, and in so good a cause ! 

It is but they who make the laws dare break them 

So gallantly : laws cannot stretch so high. 

She faints ! Fear has usurped sleep's gentle empire, 

And mimics death more closely. Oh ! my lily ! 

Accursed chance, that ever to our walls 

Did bring this tainted stream ; this King, this court-. 

These villain lords ! this base nobility, 

Who hither come, like winter blasts in June, 

To sack our homes, make booty of our honors, 

And cry foul havoc on our happiness. 

Within there ! Ho ! within there ! 

Enter Ursula and Servants. 
Mistress watchful ! 
Where wert thou prating all this time, good gossip ? 

URSULA. 

Kind saints ! what hath befallen 1 

PEDRO. 

Bear your lady in, gently, to mine own chamber, 
And do thou watch by her till I return. 
So, Softly. 

(Exeunt Ursula and servants, carrying of 
Estrella.) 



scene hi] STAR OF SEVILLE 55 

Now, what were it best to do I 
I'll see if Carlos have departed yet ; 
If he is not, he shall wed her to-night 
Before't be midnight, and so take her home, 
Or ere the day break, unto Valentar. 
I'll seek him straight. A King, a house-breaker 1 
He's left me a good weapon — and good need 
I'm like to find for it, no doubt, hereafter. 
Ho ! Giacomo ! 

(Enter Servant.) 
Bar up that window fast ; 
Make sure the doors afier I am gone out, 
And until I return, let no one enter. 

{Exeunt. 



END OF ACT II. 



56 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 



ACT III. 

SCENE I— THE KING'S ANTICHAMBER. COUR- 
TIERS DISCOVERED, SOME PLAYING AT 
CHESS, OTHERS AT DICE. 



Enter from inner chamber a Gentleman, 

FIRST LORD. 

How now, sir, is his highness gone to bed 1 

GENTLEMAN. 

Not yet, sir. 

SECOND LORD. 

'Tis late- — what time may it be % 

THIRD LORD. 

An hour to day — just midnight, 

GENTLEMAN. 

' I never saw his highness so disturbed ; he measures his 
chamber with such an angry diligence, as the Moors had 
sent to bid him good rest ; and every now and then, starts 
me his dagger out of its sheath — and then sits down and 
sighs with exceeding heaviness. 

FIRST LORD. 

When he left the banquet complaining that the action 
of the dance had over-wearied him, he would have none to 
attend him but the pages, and those, it seems, he presently 
dismissed. 

GENTLEMAN. 

The same humor is on him still ; for he bids you all 
get to your beds, and will see none but Don Carlos, whom 
we have sent for, now some two hours gone ; but who, I 
fear, is hindered by some accident : he never did use to 
let a moment grow 'twixt the King's will and his obedience. 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 57 

SECOND LORD. 
No less an accident, than that he is not in Seville. 

THIRD LORD. 

I know he was to leave it at night- fall for Valontar. 

(Enter Don Arias. They all rise ; he crosses 
toward the King's apartment.) 

ARIAS. 

Good night gentlemen. 

GENTLEMAN 

Your pardon, noble sir, but 'tis his grace's pleasure that 
none enter the royal chamber. 

ARIAS. 

Sir! 

GENTLEMAN. 

I trust your lordship knows I do but tread within the 
very boundary of duty in this — I may not suffer any to 
enter. 

ARIAS. 

Any ! — do you know me ? What fashion were I of the 
sudden, that this door, which, like mine own, hath still 
stood open to me, is latched at a servant's pleasure "? 

GENTLEMAN. 

My lord, the King is most troubled and unquiet — angry 
and stern like waves chafed by the north. — Sir I dare not 
open the door — for, except Don Carlos, his highness will 
see no one. 

ARIAS. 

Don Carlos ! 

GENTLEMAN. 

We have sent for him. 

ARIAS. 

Don Carlos ! — so — so — so — so ran the horse that way 



58 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

this morning; faith, he's galloped on in the time, to be 
come so far as this. None but him ! Pegasus, none other ! 
And here he flies a proper colt ! but I'll curry him yet- 

Enter Don Carlos with two Gentlemen. 

CARLOS. 



Save you, sir! 
And vou, sir! 



ARIAS. 



CARLOS. 

The King, I hear, is much distempered. 

ARIAS. 

And I hear hath sent for you to cure him. 

GENTLEMAN. 

Sir, I shall tell his highness of your arrival. 

CARLOS. 
Pray do ; and withal that this delay, wherein my will 
was warped to the event, was caused by my departure 
from Seville — for indeed I was already some miles on my 
road, when the messenger overtook me. 

(Exit Gentleman. 

arias {aside) 
1 would you had been further ! — (aloud.) The King 
refuses to see any but yourself — you will become a court 
planet, Don Carlos. 

CARLOS. 

No, sir; I do not love to shine with borrowed light. 

ARIAS. 

I cry your mercy ! — nothing but the sun will serve your 
turn, I see. 

CARLOS. 

I look not to such heights. 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 59 

ARIAS. 

You're wise, sir ; those who do, sometimes lose their 
footing, and falling, break their skulls. 

CARLOS. 

Although your words wear a plain even gloss, your 
looks throw a strange color on them, sir ; — I understand 
you not. 

ARIAS. 

'Tis pity! 

CARLOS. 

That I'm sure it is ; for when you speak, men used to 
profit. 

ARIAS. 

Sir! 

CARLOS. 

Don't vex your sword by plucking at it thus — I'm not 
for fighting, sir — not now nor here — but if the King's high 
pleasure being done, these veins still hold life's wine, I'll 
pledge it you against your own, for my dead father's sake. 



Enter Gentle 



man. 



GENTLEMAN. 

My lord, will it please you follow? His Majesty ex- 
pressed unmeasured content at your arrival. 

CARLOS. 

My life is his poor property. 

(Exeunt Gentleman and Carlos.) 

arias. 
The weight's unequal, and the too light scale 
Wherein I sit, is chuck'd to the beam by his. 
We must put order to this speedily, 
Or we shall have these country-cousin courtiers 
Fray our gold mantles with their fustian doublets. 



60 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

Good night, sirs ! if his highness call for me, 

I'm at the Count Lomaria's for some hours 

More of the night — " my life is his poor properly," — 

A courtlike phrase, and smacks for all the world 

Of the antichamber — plague on his honest roguery 

That plays the fool the better to be knave ! 

But swearing's breath, and breath but cast away 

That wafts us not more near our purposes. 

Don Carlos ! — we shall measure wits together. 

(Exit. 



SCENE II— THE KING'S CHAMRER. 



The King Discovered. 

KING. 
The evil that we do, being conceiv'd, 
Is sin, e'en in the womb of thought ; before 
The midwife will have given birth to it, 
And brought it forth, a deed. Then I have sinn'd 
In that I've wished his death : — nor is that sin 
Made less or greater by the accomplishment 
That frees my laboring thought — and having sinn'd 
Why 'tis as easy to go on, as turn ; 
Much easier than stand still, being come so far ; 
Besides, do I not bear th' absolving power 
That cancels evil? Can the King do wrong? 
And shall he not do right that doth avenge 
The sacred cause of majesty insulted? 
Were I his fellow — such as he — a blow 
Were worth a blow, and so he might be answer'd ; 
But being as the sun, above his head 
By so much more is treason black in him 
As I'm his greater — by that height debarr'd 
The level ground men claim in equal combat. 



scene iL] STAR OF SEVILLE. 61 

[Enter gentleman ushering in Don Carlos. 
Oh you are welcome — welcome ; listen to me: 
With the profoundest heed of sense and spirit, 
And answer me with such a soul of love. 
Of truth and honor, as your Father, Carlos, 
Bore mine. 

CARLOS. 

Let not the measure of my words 
Outpass the showing of my life — believe me, sir 
I speak as though the sun shone through my heart— 
Or land with a more full and true profession, 
I have not inherited my father's name 
Than his most dear devotion to your majesty. 

KING. 

Sit down beside me here, and give me heed. 

In all this court which, since my brows have borne 

My father's crown, so wooingly smiles round me — 

Among these scores of willing nimble slaves 

I've not one friend, not one 1 e'er have lov'd 

As some six years agone I lov'd thee, Carlos ; 

And though my prosperous hours may seem to have 

slipp'd 
From out their record, thy right loyal love 
My need remembers it. 

CARLOS. 

Oh blessed chance ! 
Whate'er it be that once more shows to me, 
Stripp'd of his royal panoply, my friend ! 
What needs my friend, and what commands my King ? 

KING. 

Rememberest thou how, in our unripe years, 
Our hours were interwoven with the sweetness 
Of an affection most like kindred love 1 

CARLOS. 

Well, oh my liege, how well — and every patch 
Of sunny boyhood that my mind reflects 
Still holds your form. 



62 STAR OF SEVILLE, [act hi. 

KING. 

This is as I would have it. — 

Rememberest thou our beardless exploits, when 

We first in blood baptized our virgin swords'? 

Dost thou remember Talavera fight — 

The scar yet seams my breast — that was the trench 

Betwixt thee and the death that did besiege thee? 

CARLOS. 

Give me to do my answer. I am poor 
In the airy coin of words — oh let my deeds 
Speak for me — this strange catechism sir, 
Seems like mistrust. Let me not say, but show 
How my heart bears engraven on its core 
That wound. 

KING. 
All that a loving friend doth owe 
Unto his friend thou art still perfect in. 
Now answer me, in what kind of respect 
Dost thou as a true subject hold thy King ? 

CARLOS. 

Second alone to God, whose great ambassador 
Here upon earth he stands — his law of pow'r 
Less holy only than the laws of Heaven — 
His person sacred above aught of earth. 

KING. 

And what does he deserve who lays his hand 
On his anointed King in daring strife 1 

carlos (starting up.) 
p ea th ! — nay three sev'ral deaths. First that he struck 
The abstract of all mortal majesty ; 
Next, that against the father of his country, 
Its rever'd head, he rais'd his lawless hand — 
The parricidal doom : last, that with daring 
Most impious and unnatural, he struck 
The type of Heaven's eternal Sovereign — 
The death and hell of sacrilege accurst. 



scene ii.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 63 

KING. 
Within the walls of Seville lives a man 
Who hath incurr'd all these against his King — 
'Gainst me, the Lord and Sovereign of Castille, 
He rais'd his arm. 

CARLOS. 

Oh wither'd be its marrow, 
And shrunk its muscles — may its veins run bloodless 
Under the curse of God and man! 

KING. 

Waste not 
Thy zeal in harmless words — hast thou no sword! 

CARLOS. 

For this most honor' d choice my heart bows down. 
In thanks — -yea, I do bear a knightly sword, 
And here by this life-giving symbol, swear, 
Which on death's handle christian warriors worship, 
To drive forth from my breast all other thoughts 
Save that alone of this great evil done 
And its great punishment yet left undone. 

KING. 

Within this paper have I writ the name 

Of him the traitor. — When thou art gone forth 

From out the palace, stay not to pray or sleep, 

But now, or ere the night's an hour older, 

Do this appointed work : be sure the task 

Shall not lack payment — nor shall blame or danger 

Grow to thy steps if thou achiev'st his death, 

CARLOS. 

If I achieve his death! all blessed saints 

Fight with me, and against the parricide : 

And as the cause is holy, shadowy fear 

Comes not anigh my soul. Good night, my liege — 

The heavens protect jour grace. 



64 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

KING. 

I shall sleep well, 
Knowing mine honor's champion doth not slumber, 
Good night, my Carlos. — Nay stoop not, good friend 
But thus, as when we last did say farewell 
Receive thy friend's embrace and sovereign's greeting. 
Lights, ho within ! Farewell ! 

CARLOS. 

God keep your majesty! 

[Exeunt Severally. 



SCENE III— A STREET IN SEVILLE OPPOSITE 
THE ANCHOR INN. 



Enter Hyacinth, Curio, Valentine, and others, 
laughing. 

HYACINTH. 

'Tis true, as I'm a gentleman, I use no witchcraft ; but 
I think the women be all mad, they do so plague me. 

valentine. 
Is not this rare sport 1 

CURIO. 

And to see such a monster for nothing, — Vasco should 
show him at three deniers a head. 

hyacinth. 
I do protest unto you there be now three honorable vir- 
gins, two honest wives, and five chaste widows, all at this 
very hour sick in love with me. 

valentine. 
O this flogs Europe t 



scene ii.J STAR OF SEVILLE. C5 

CURIO, 

The wine doth mount in him — we shall have more anon. 

HYACINTH. 

What say ye there 1 — ye be doubting me. I tell you 
Ihe King's sister, when fi rst I was presented in the court, 
cried out, " Cogs wounds ! but he is the sweetest gentle- 
man of his inches the mirror of mine eyes did e'er re- 
flect." She would have knighted me then and there, I 
know, save that some chance prevented it, — you under- 
stand me, — -'twas thought fear might be entertained in the 
King's mind,— you understand me, — nephews have been 
heirs. 

CURIO. 

O, God save your lordship and my waistband \ 

VALENTINE. 

If you be not provided with a squire, might one-— 

HYACINTH. 

Gentlemen, ye shall draw lots for place ; neither will I 
let my favor lean to either, lest fortune, being a woman as 
she is, do choose him for my love's sake. Where is ray 
cousin, the orange-merchant's son t 

CURIO. 

Vasco will be here anon: but, gentlemen, were we not 
best go in ? the night grows foul. 

HYACINTH, 
The moon plays peep-bo up among the clouds ; we 
shall have rain — !et us go in. I'll tell you more of these 
same chances there. 

VALENTINE* 

Supper is ordered I know, and wine, and all things most 
conducible to merriment, 

HYACINTH* 

A drop of rain, I do aver ; the clouds be envious of my 
6* 



66 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act ih, 

sapphire cloak. (Bowing with ceremony at the door of 
the house.) Sir, O sir! O gentlemen! let me not show 
you my back, worthy gentleman — I'll follow. 

VALENTINE. 

We know manners, sir, though no courtiers. 

CURIO. 

O how my ribs will ache before to-morrow. 

[Exeunt into the Anchor Inn. 

Enter Don Carlos, and a Page bearing a torch. 

CARLOS. 

How like to shuttlecocks toss'd on fate's racket 
Seem we and all our aims ! I did not think 
To have such work upon my hands to-night, 
Nor in my soul did anything save love 
Dwell, whon at sunset I rode o'er the bridge 
Towards Valentar. How goes the night, boy ? 

PAGE. 

Sir, 
I think the night be changing into morning, 
And yonder's the cathedral bell — 'tis one. 

CARLOS. 

Thou grey and shadowy eye 
Of morn, cloud-lidded, open not thyself 
Upon the earth ere I have done my task. 
The night is spent ; I will go seek out Pedro ; 
'Twere best tell him of this cross-woven chance, 
Which may delay me from th' appointed hour 
When I should meet my bride. 

PAGE. 

Your pardon, sir, 
I see you have your sword; did you not hear 
That there has been a proclamation sent 
From the King, forbidding any to walk arm'd, 



scene n] STAR OF SEVILLE. 67 

CARLOS. 

I know it, boy, but I do hold my sword 

By licence of the King's high pleasure. Soft— 

Before I seek out Pedro, let me first 

Into this warrant pry, that to swift death 

Decrees one who, although till now unknown, 

I count for evermore my deadliest foe. 

Thy torch — the stars have crept into the clouds, 

And the pale daylight, like a sick man waking, 

Can scarce put by the night's thick curtains — ha! 

What's here ! — come nearer, there's some devil dances 

Before mine eyes — nearer, I cannot see ; 

O God, strike not my sense with this black curse — 

I'm blind — read there — aloud — what name — what name ? 

PAGE. 

Don Pedro de Roella. 

CARLOS. 

May thy tongue 
Be wither'd like my heart ! 

PAGE. 

Sir, sir — my lord ! 
You're pale, and cannot stand — help, ho, within ! 

Enter Vasco and Gentlemen. 

VASCO. 

What is the matter ? 

Don Carlos, you are fainting : sir, lean on me. 

Follow me, gentlemen — a dizziness — 

'Tis nothing — -it will pass; — what ho, within — 

We shall find help enough here in the house. 

[Exeunt into the Anchor Inn, supporting 

Carlos. 



68 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act m. 

SCENE IV.— A ROOM IN THE ANCHOR INN. 



Hyacinth, Curio, Valentine, and others, at Supper. 
Various tables surrounded with Revellers, 

OMNES. 
Ha! ha! ha! ha! 

HYACINTH. 

Excellent! excellent! though I made the jest myself' 
Now we will have a song— ahem ! 
(Sings.) 
Maidens who love 
Like the moping dove 

Are all too sad for me. 
But the light that lies 
In merry eyes, 
A laughing love give me ! 

Enter Vasco and others, leading Carlos 
curio. 
Ha ! here is company,— Vascov 

VALENTINE. 

What hath kept thee 1 

HYACINTH* 

Is the man dead or drunk 1 

VASCO. 

Neither, neither ; here, give me a cup of wine* 

carlos — (drinks.) 
Another — another — ha ! ha! ha! ha!— another, to 
drown the fire in my brain ! 

CURIO. 

Sit down, sir ; you seem better* 

CARLOS. 

Better ! what need of better ? I am well — what ails 



scene iv] STAR OF SEVILLE. 69 

me, think you? — tush, tush, men are not maids to faint 
away for the heart-ache. More wine — more — give me 
more wine, — a health to the devil, the king of kings ! 

HYACINTH. 

Why that's a merry blade : I like a fellow that takes 
his liquor kindly. 

vasco. 
All is not right with him ; this is a strange passion. 

CARLOS. 

Well, sir, what d'ye see in my eyes'? you peruse me 
as though for all the world you meant to learn me. 

VASCO. 

Indeed, my lord, not I! Come, gentlemen, Don 
Carlos seems well disposed to honor us awhile. 

CARLOS. 

Ay, till the yellow sun-light flames in the sky ; for what 
was the night made, think ye, but to drink and to forget 
the cursed day ? — A health. Give me some wine ! 

PAGE. 

Sir, your glass is full. 

carlos — (drinks.) 

Now give me some ! — 'tis empty — ha! thou ill scholar 
— thou canst spell bravely. Heed me not, gentlemen. I'll 
sit here apart at this table, — think not of me, good gentle- 
men. Get thee home, imp ; — dost hear me 1 go home ! 

PAGE. 

I will my lord. [Exit Page. 

VALENTINE. 

This is a strange, humorous fancy, to come here 
among us and spoil sport, with his gaunt visage. 

CURIO. 

Mayhap he hath quarrell'd with his mistress — they're 
to be married to-morrow. 



70 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

HYACINTH. 

To-day, for "it is day — -a baby-day of two-hours old. 
Come, we grow sapless in our mirth, — a song, — come, we 
will be melodious. Senor Valentine, you've a sweet pipe, 
I've heard. 

CURIO. 

For all the world like a nightingale in the quinsey. 



Drink, for good or ill betide, 
The goblet wears its joyous hue; 
In the goblet drown your woes—* 
With the goblet meet your foes, 
There is no friend so staunch beside. 

CHORUS. 

There is no mistress half so true — 
Drink to me — I drink to you ! 

Drink, for good or ill betide, 
The goblet wears its joyous hue ; 
With the goblet laugh at tears — 
With the goblet jest^ at fears — 
With wine the world may be defied. 

CHORUS. 

Seize the hours, such hours are few — 
Drink to me — I drink to you ! 

HYACINTH. 

" There is no mistress half so true ;" that were wisdom,, 
though an heathen should say it. 

VASCO. 

You have travelled, cousin Hyacinth? 

HYACINTH. 

I have, Cousin Vasco. 

CURIO. 

Whither, may't please you, sir ] 



scene iv.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 71 

HYACINTH. 

O, why I have gone hopping about the world, picking 
up crumbs of wisdom here and there ; but I have more 
studied men than things, and women more than either men 
or things. 

VALENTINE. 
And the epitome of your observation is— 

HYACINTH. 

That your Italian loves you for love's-sake, your 
Frenchwoman for your tongue's-sake, your German for 
your great-grandfather's sake, and your Englishwoman 
for your purse's-sake. 

VASCO. 

And our Spanish girls ? 

HYACINTH. 
O, for God's sake, and to be charitable. 
VALENTINE. 

The English — they live with their heads under water, 
do they not 1 

HYACINTH. 

Yea, for the most part under aqua-vitee. Gentlemen, 
drink, we will call for more wine. 

VASCO. 

The room is very hot. 

HYACINTH. 

Ay, me— 

CURIO. 

The heat would not so much matter an 5 it would stand 
still, I have heard the world did turn round, but never 
marked it till now. 

HYACINTH, 

Ay, me 1 



72 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

VALENTINE. 

Humph I 'tis not the room, nor the world either — 
hiccup ! — doth turn — 'tis thou goest disking hi — hiccup — 
hither and thither — how like thou art — hiccup — to a fly. 

HYACINTH. 

Ay, me ! — my heart grows soft. — O, my dear friends ! 
my most loving friends ! my kind cousin — and ye, sweet 
gentlemen — 'tis an evil thing and a sore to he cleft in the 
heart. 

vasco. 

What now ! are you so wounded ? 

HYACINTH. 

There is a lady weeping in Segovia, I do think, at this 
l lour — ]o mine eyes take the hint of her sorrow. — O my 
dear friend ! my gentle kinsman, to that fair lady am I 
contracted. 

(Chorus of gentlemen at another table.) 

" And she was mine and thine, 
That lady so frail and fine." 

HYACINTH. 

'Tis false — ye lie in your throats ! She is mine own be- 
trothed bride — and purer than — 

VALENTINE. 

Ditch-water — hiccup — 

HYACINTH. 

Now then, a health! — a health to the fair bride! 

CARLOS. 

(Starting up.) Ay, ay, to the bride, all swathed in 
mourning weeds — to the bloody-handed bridegroom ! — a 
health — a health to the fairest maid in Seville — in Spain — 
in all the world — Estrella, the star ; — drink on your knees 
as I drink, sirs, to the fair Star of Seville. (They all 
drink.) Good night, kind gentlemen— a merry waking to 
you all. (He rushes out.) 



scene iv.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 73 

HYACINTH. 

That's a pleasant youth, my Vasco ! — O my Pollux, I 
will be thy Castor. 

VASCO. 

Heaven send you be not my death ! Pray clasp not my 
throat so close. 

HYACINTH. 

I am lamentable in my soul, my brother. 

(Curio and Valentine sing and dance together.) 

" Ho, ho, with a hip, ho, ho — 

Down with the heel, and up with the toe." 



HYACINTH. 

Yea, I will dance and defy the devil. 

VASCO. 

Come, come — leave your tee totum reel — ho, hostess! — 
where be our men — what, hostess, ho! (Enter the hostess,) 
Send hither our men — we must towards home — 'tis day- 
light. 

HYACINTH. 

Ho, ho with a 

VASCO. 

Come, come, gentlemen — 'tis time we leave the house 
— 'tis early morning. 

VALENTINE. 

Curio, come then with me — we'll to the house you 
wot of. 

CURIO. 

We will — we will. Thou hast ta'en my hat. 

VALENTINE, 

Ta'en in thy teeth — I'm no rubbish vendor. 

7 



74 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act in. 

CURIO. 

I say thou hast stolen my hat — it had a feather once. 

VASCO. 

'Tis dangling here behind you. 

CURIO. 

Valentine, you're an honest man — I forgive thee ! 

HYACINTH. 

Kinsman, dear — I will take thine arm. Come, shall we 
dance a fandango 1 

VASCO. 

The fiend fly away with you ! — leave dancing and come 
home. 

Enter Sancho, and other Men-servants. 

VASCO. 

Sancho, take thy master. 

HYACINTH. 

O Vasco, my soul is exceeding heavy. I could weep- — 
yea, I do weep ; lo ! spite of these breeches mine eyes 
gush over for the fair Amadalinda. Ho, ho, with a hip 
ho, ho — 

VASCO. 

Come, come. 

HYACINTH. 

Ho, ho — out, alas; — hip, ay me — good night gentlemen. 
How you pull me, cousin ! — let me embrace my friends. 
Good night, sweet gentlemen. 

(He embraces them all over and over again.) 

VASCO. 

A plague on your slobbering ! 

HYACINTH. 

Vamos ! ho — ho — hip — ho — ho — 

(Exeunt Vasco and Sancho, leading Hya- 
cinth, followed by Curio and Valentine 



scene v.] STAR OF SEVILLE, 75 

arm-in-arm, manent chorus of gentlemen, who 
sing the following 

Chorus. 

What, though the mom 
Looks keen and cold, 
Like a bitter scold, 
Her spite we scorn, 
With a hey down, down, my bully boys bold ! 



SCENE V.— A STREET IN SEVILLE AT DAY- 
BREAK. 



Enter Don Pedro. 

PEDRO. 

'Tis passing strange — not at his house — nor gone 
To Valentar — lo, now ! whom have we here 1 
'Tis Carlos' page — what, ho 1 thou imp of the night, 
Whither art scudding, mischief? 

PAGE. 

Home, my lord: 

PEDRO. 

Where is thy master ? 

PAGE. 

At the Anchor Inn, Sir — 
In very merry excellent good company. 
Your pardon, sir, he charged me to go home 
And I do fear to be abroad so early, 
^Tis scarcely light. 

PEDRO. 

Run lest thou meet thy shadow. 

Exit Page. 
In merry company, and at the Anchor ! 



76 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

Why, this is stranger than the rest. Who's yonder ? 

Sure some fantastical, crack-witted lunatic 

With a drawn sword too ! 'Tis bad company 

To meet abroad ; but thanks to the King I'm armed. 

The morning frowns upon the earth. Hark ! — thunder ; 

Sure 'tis an evil day that speaks so sternly 

From its cradle. — Carlos ! by my good eyes — 'tis he. 

Enter Don Carlos very wildly, and in a disordered 
dress, with his sword drawn. 

PEDRO. 

Thou art the very man I'm seeking, Carlos. 

CARLOS. 

I seek not thee — get hence, and let me pass. 

PEDRO. 

Carlos, what ails thee ? 

CARLOS. 

Madness ails me, 
And murder, and all devilish hideous thoughts 
Pursue me, man. In the name of God — begone. 

PEDRO. 

I come to thee from thy bride, my sister, Carlos — 
Ye were to wed at noon. 

CARLOS. 

We were — we were — 
But that's among the things that, like abortions, 
Rot in the womb of time — we shall not wed. 

PEDRO. 

Sir ! — but my soul stoops not to answer you — 
You're drunk. 

CARLOS. 

You lie ! 

PEDRO. 

Carlos ! — pray come with me. 



scene v.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 77 

I would not in an evil hour do that 

My after life should mourn for — come with me. 

Thou art not fit to walk alone. 

CARLOS. 

You lie ! 
I am not drunk, but I am fix'd and sworn, 
As there is light in heaven, and fire in hell, 
To stab thee to the heart. Defend thyself. 

PEDRO. 

I will not — thou art mad. 

CARLOS. 

Hark to the thunderer — 
The evil spirit laughs out of the skies 
To see a brave man turn faint-hearted — hark 1 
Defend thyself, for I have sworn an oath, 
And I will keep it — fare thee well, dear Pedro ; 
For, betwixt thee and me, the gulf that parts 
The blessed and the damn'd is yawning wide. 
To heaven with thee 1 

PEDRO. 

Nay, if you press mc thus, 

[TkeyfighU 
I needs must parry. Carlos, hold ! thouVt frantic — 
I cannot foil thee ! — ah — I'm struck in the life. 

[He falls. 

CARLOS. 

Struck, art thou? yea, 'tis blood, blood, reeking blood, 
My feet are washed in it — it rises round me — 
I swim — I drown in thy warm living blood. 

PEDRO. 

Whate'er hath urg'd thee to this deed I guess not — 
Let not my sister know thy hand did strike me, 
And do thou swear, for thou keep'st well an oath, 
To wed her. Do not leave her desolate — 
Do not abandon her, I do beseech thee; 
7* 



78 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

But let thy love for her redeem my death. 
Forsake her not — forsake her not, dear Carlos. 
Oh, my Estrella — oh ! [He dies. 

(A violent storm of thunder and lightning.) 

CARLOS. 

Yea, thou grim thunderer, 
Hast thou a voice to curse, and none to warn ? 
Pedro ! ho, Pedro, hear'st thou not up yonder, 
How the loud voices of the night call to thee ? 
Arise, wake, wake, ho ! wake — ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! — 
He's dead ! — what's dead 1 here be his limbs, 
The same that folded in the living soul — 
Here is the very likeness he did wear, 
And yet he's dead. Should there not come some change 
Over the dead ? — the subtle soul is gone, 
And here's the gory gate I open'd for it. 
Ay, roll, roll, roll, thou noisy watchman, roll — 
Call up the world to witness this foul slaughter — 
It is the voice that, when the earth first tasted 
Her children's blood, called from the clouds to Cain — 
Oh ! damned life, that art so soon set free, 
Come, let me give thee wings. 

(Enter Arias with servants bearing torches.) 

ARIAS. 

Hold, madman, hold ! 
What butchery is here, Don Carlos ? 

CARLOS. 

Ay, 

That is my name — men have not yet found out 

A curse to tack to't foul and dark enough. 

Bring lights around — see here, here is one murdered, 

Look where the slimy blood comes oozing out ; 

Just now it gushed out like an angry torrent, 

And bare the spirit on its crimson waves. 

I have done this, — ha ! ha ! ha! — how ye slare ! 

Look at my clotted sword, look at my face, 

Bear I not stabber writ upon my forehead % 



scene v.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 79 

ARIAS. 

Ring the alarm bell ! call the city guard up 

(In the distance voices are heard, " Which way ? 
Yonder in the cross street." Enter Vasco and 
Sancho, supporting Hyacinth, singing and 
dancing, drunkenly ; the alarm bell rings — 
thunder and lightning.) 

CARLOS. 

See where heavVs torches glare with livid light, 

Flashing around the avenger's chariot wheels, 

That bound along the sky ! The world spins round — 

The solid earth sinks in with me — the thick 

And palpable air is full of fiery rings, 

That scorch mine eye-balls — O ! — 

(He falls upon the body.) 

HYACINTH. 

Let me go — let me go — I will see — oh ! 
Vasco, oh — oh ! — look here. 

VASCO. 

Come hence — ye mock this terrible sight with your 
drunken gaping. Sir, can I help you? 

ARIAS. 

No, sir, I thank you ; for here comes the guard. 
Raise both these bodies — one of them is cold, 
In the other life doth but play the truant — 
It will return. There is some dismal riddle 
Hid among these dark deeds, I cannot guess at ; 
The hand of day must wind this tangled skein. 
On to the Alcade's house. 

[Exeunt guard, bearing the bodies. 
The sheeted lightnings 
Stretch their blue wings, and whiz above the earth — 
'Tis a fit hour for such a bloody tragedy, 
And nature with her children's stormy passions 
Hold fearful sympathy. Follow me. — Good night. 
If you hereafter should be called on, sir, 
To witness this foul business — 



SO STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 

VASCO. 

I shall be 
My duty's slave, my lord ; but I must hope 
To be spar'd such an office. Come, thou sleepy sack, 
Thou'rt heavy drunk now. Come, I cannot carry thee. 

[Exeunt omnes severally. 



SCENE VI.— A CHAMBER IN DON PEDRO'S 
HOUSE. ESTRELLA DISCOVERED SITTING 
BEFORE HER GLASS—THE NURSE AND 
ISABEL ASSISTING TO DRESS HER. 



ESTRELLA. 

Come, hast thou done, — am I not perfect yet? 
'Tis well enough — 'tis well enough. I cannot 
Sit patiently and quiet any longer. Isabel, 
I know thou'rt longing to be hence — thy cousin, 
When does she wed t 

ISABEL. 

I think her father said 
On Wednesday, madam. 

ESTRELLA. 
May her lot be happy, wench, 
As mine. Get thee a husband, Isabel — 
I fear thou'rt over-nice — hast thou no sweetheart? 
Come, thou shalt tell no falsehoods — hold thy tongue. 
Here, thou shalt take thy pretty cousin these 
For thy marriage present to her. 

ISABEL. 

Thank you, madam. O my dear lady, may your feet 
still tread on the sunny, smooth and evenest path of life — 



scene vi.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 81 

may love be immortal as he is sweet to you ; and sorrow 
touch nothing that you have looked on. Good angels 
guard you as their sister, ever ! 

[Exit Isabel. 

ESTRELLA. 

O joy ! O joy ! O bright triumphant spirit 

That in my bosom dost a revel keep ! 

Life, life, and love, may one heart hold ye both, 

And yet not faint with the surpassing bliss. 

O that I were a bird to spread my wings 

And soar, and soar, and pour my ecstasy 

In a tumultuous stream of gushing song. 

O that I had an universe to fill 

With my exceeding happiness. 

NURSE. 

Keep it, keep it, girl, thy present stock 
Won't last thee till forever. 

ESTRELLA. 

It is in vain : like the exulting sun, 

My light pursues thy wisdom's conquer'd shadows, 

And chases them from off my land of hope. 

See, thou false prophet — see where the bright morning 

Stands laughing on the threshold of the east — 

Where are the clouds thou saidst didst veil the dawn 1 

Look how the waters mirror back again 

The blushing curtains of Aurora's bed. 

fresh and fragrant earth, and glorious skies 
All strewn with rosy clouds — sweet dewy breath 
Of earliest buds unfolded in the night — 

And thou — thou winged spirit of melody, 
Thou lark that mountest singing to the sun, 
Fair children of the gold-eyed morn, I hail ye ! 
There dwells not one sad thought within my breast; 
'Tis the broad noon-day there of light and love. 
The earth rebounds beneath my joyous feet : 

1 am a spirit — a spirit of hope and joy ! 

NURSE. 

I marvel that my lord has not returned. 



32 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act hi. 



ESTRELLA. 

He has gone riding forth to meet my love, — 
My love, O brighter than the dawning day, 
And sweeter than the breath of evening violets, 
Glorious as victory, and fair as truth, 
Art thou, my love ? my lord, my husband ! 

NURSE. 

Hark! 

ESTRELLA. 

They cannot yet be here. O let me say it 
Again and yet again, to keep my heart 
From beating thus — as though he were at hand. 
They cannot yet be come — 

NURSE. 
Hark, hark ! I hear a noise at the gate, voices and 
steps of men — dost thou not hear 1 

ESTRELLA. 

'Tis they — 'tis he ! they come — Carlos — O God ! 

(She rushes to the door, and meets men 
bearing her brothers body — she shrieks 
and falls upon it.) 



END OF ACT III. 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 83 



ACT IV. 

SCENE I.— THE OPEN SPACE BEFORE THE 

CATHEDRAL OF SEVILLE— PEOPLE COMING 

OUT OF THE CATHEDRAL AS FROM MASS. 



Enter Curio, Valentine, and others, 

VALENTINE Singing. 

" O Filii et Filiae !" that's a pleasant psalm, I like the 
tune on't. 

CURIO. 
Peace, listen to these news. Well sir, how then ? 

FIRST GENTLEMAN. 

Don Carlos, sir, has confessed himself guilty of the deed ; 
but holds unbroken silence on all else, as motives, provo- 
cations. 

SECOND GENTLEMAN. 

The trial is to come on at two in the afternoon. 

VALENTINE. 

Why is the matter so hurried to a hearing? 

FIRST GENTLEMAN. 

Reasons are given as plenty as chestnuts ; none may 
be right though. 

SECOND GENTLEMAN. 

Being a nobleman of so much note and importance in 
Seville, the presence of the King's high counsellors is 
deemed a welcome addition in the trial to our city officers. 

FIRST GENTLEMAN. 

*Tis rumored that the King, who loves Don Carlos ex- 
ceedingly, hath already questioned with his nearest cousel- 
lors to have the trial private. 



84 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

VALENTINE. 

Don Pedro's friends will scarce cry content to that. 

SECOND GENTLEMAN. 

no ; besides the old Lord Gomez, whose son was 
killed in the streets of Saragossa much in the same fashion, 
presses the matter to a bloody issue, and seems to bear a 
sympathy to the deceased for the sake of his own murdered 
heir. 

CURIO. 

1 know of one will not be sorry for this chance. 

VALENTINE. 

Don Arias. 

CURIO. 

The same: you recollect the landing. If Don Carlos 
pay not now for riding over the black Duke's bastard — I 
am no Spaniard ! 

VALENTINE. 

Poor Don Carlos ! he hath the prayers of many good 
hearts in Seville ! This is the history of last night's riddle. 
And by that same token where shall we meet to-night, 
gentlemen 1 

SECOND GENTLEMAN. 

O at the Anchor again — 'tis a good house, and near the 
council room ; we can go thither after the trial, for if it be 
public I shall attend it. 

OMNES. 

And I ! and I ! and I ! 

CURIO. 

O if all go, there will be no supper bespoken. 

VALENTINE. 

Come thou, and do that now. 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. &5 

CURIO. 

We will — farewell, till to-night, gentlemen. 

[Exeunt severally. 

Enter Hyacinth, and Sancho supporting him. 

HYACINTH. 

What the foul fiend makest thou hanging on mine firm, 
varlet 1 

SANCHO. 

Sir, I'm upholding you. 

HYACINTH. 

What ! I am not drunk. 

SANCHO. 

Are you quite sure of that, sir t Let me see you stand. 
Lo ! you, sir, indeed you cannot stand, — you are not sober 
yet. 

HYACINTH. 

If thou do come one inch nearer to me than thoti art, I 
will show thee which of us can't stand. Peace, get thee 
behind me, here be ladies coming out of church. Wilt 
thou get thee from me ? 

SANCHO. 

Sir, if you do make your bow in the prostrate f»rr», it 
is no fault of mine. 

Enter from the Cathedral Florilla and Isabel. 

FLORILLA. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! didst mark the lady Julia ? for all 
the world I would not wear such a mantle. 

ISABEL. 

It did to hide her face ; 'twas a sufficiently good mraiir 
tie. 

8 



86 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

FLORILLA. 

How, all prayer time, Donna Maria kept simpering at 
the Cavalier in the blue cloak. 

ISABEL. 

O, a scandal ! it hindered me from holy thoughts. 

FLORILLA. 

So it put no ill ones into thy head 

ISABEL. 

Nay, then should I have had an empty skull ! 

FLORILLA. 

What's yonder, strutting up and down in the sun 1 

ISABEL. 

The rainbow incarnate. Mercy ! 'tis a man-peacock ! 

HYACINTH. 

Sancho, do the fair ladies look at me 1 

SANCHO. 

I think they be gazing at one of us, sir. 

HYACINTH. 

They're sweet favor'd ladies, Sancho. 

SANCHO. 

O, sir, to my mind not half so goodly as Patience the 
fat baker's daughter your honor liked before your honor 
grew a gentleman. 

HYACINTH. 

* Faugh, tripe ! 

SANCHO. 

There was a deal more of her than of these, sir ; these 



two would not make a quarter of her. 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 87 

HYACINTH. 

Peace, dolt ! think'st thou women be like flesh of beeves 
and muttons priz'd by the pound. — I will accost them. 

[He botes, Florilla and Isabel laugh. 

FLORILLA. 

Do, I beseech thee ! 

ISABEL. 

O that I dared ! 

FLORILLA. 

No harm shall come of it, but infinite sport. 

HYACINTH. 

Most beauteous fair ones — happy is the earth that 
carries you! — the sky that lights you! — the air you breathe! 
and the life that dwells within you ! 

Florilla and Isabel draw up and 
exeunt haughtily 

SANCHO. 

Most disdainful puppets ! very ill mannerly and dull! 

HYACINTH. 

Sancho, these be ladies of great rank and quality — 
the first, the tall one, did throw me such a look! Didst 
mark how her eye fell on my proportions ? 

SANCHO. 
Where sir 1 

HYACINTH. 

1 shall hear of these again, be sure. Lo Hyacinthus, 
tbou'rt the very fondling of Venus — said I not so 1 

Enter Isabel laughing. 

ISABEL. 

Save you, fair sir ! my mistress, sir, the lady your 
lordship did salute so sweetly but now, has bid me come 



88 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

back in all haste to you, sir — she is a noble maid of high 
estate, greatly woo'd for her beauty and wealth ; but, as 
your lordship may have noted, she was much taken with 
your courtesy, and bade me invite your honor to her house. 

HYACINTH. 

my sweet Iris, tell thy Juno, Hyacinth shall be her 
slave, now and for ever, here and hereafter, in this, and 
in all things ! 

ISABEL. 

Our dwelling, sir, is the large house, close here by the 
cathedral. 

HYACINTH. 

1 shall not fail to find it. And the hour 1 

ISABEL. 

Come at vespers ; my lady will be alone then, and I will 
be waiting to admit your lordship. 

HYACINTH. 

May freckles mar my skin if I come not at the v ery 
hour. Rest you fair sweet maiden ! [Exit Isabel.] 
Sancho, Sancho, am not I fortune's minion, thinkest thou, 
that such sweet and noble ladies do bear me affection. 

SANCHO. 

Beshrew me, but I think they be neither more nor less 
than 

HYACINTH. 

Sancho ! 

SANCHO. 
Well, sir, you recollect what your mother said to you — 
it was the third article of her parting discourse, which had 
in it many and wise clauses — that you should never keep 
company with — 

HYACINTH. 

Sancho \ 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 89 

SANCHO. 

No, sir, not with me, who am an honest man, but with 
ill women, sir. 

HYACINTH. 

Be dumb, and follow me. Hark thee, varlet, if thou 
be'st not more modest in thy bearing, and more sparing of 
thy moralities, henceforth, I will provide me with another 
man. 

SANCHO. 

And let that other man be provided with another coat, 
sir ; for I have now worn this the better half of Jacob's 
serving time ; also touching my wages, sir — 

HYACINTH. 

Hark, thee, good Sancho, I am benign, and will forgive 
thee; love lies like a warm sop at my heart, comforting 
my spirit with an unbounded charity. I do forgive thee. 
Get home, Sancho, to our inn; get me an ounce of civet ; 
I will be sweet as the rosy month of June ; get me my 
scarlet cloak, that shall describe to her the ardor of my 
love ; get me my blue hose, they shall bespeak the con- 
stancy of the same ; put me a green plume in my bonnet, 
for o'ertopping all hope crowns my love, foretelling me 
success in my amorous campaign ; and anon follow me to 
Vasco's ; I must excuse myself from a supper at the An- 
chor, to which I was bid. Some say that Love and For- 
tune are blind ; I cannot tell, — 1 do not think they be: — 
pshaw, 'tis only those on whom they never look, who say, 
for spite, that they have got no eyes. 

[Exeunt severally. 



8* 



90 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act it. 

SCENE II.— A ROOM IN DON PEDRO'S HOUSE. 

Enter Physician and Nurse. 
nurse. 
Alas, sir! I am sorry for your pains, but you see 'tis 
in vain persuading with her — she drowns all counsel in a 
sea of tears. 

PHYSICIAN. 

I am most sorry for this calamity that hath fallen upon 
so good a lady. Well, well, Heav'n is wise, and knows its 
own purposes. Since she will not admit me, I will depart. 
Take this with you, worthy nurse ; seek not to stop the 
current of her tears, for like swift waters round a based 
rock, they will in time wear or! the edges of her grief; let 
her weep, therefore, sans interruption. 

NURSE. 

I have sent for my lady's confessor, sir, hoping she may 
take some comfort from his spiritual converse ; and, indeed, 
she always loved holy father Rodriquez as a very father, 
and was more ruled by his advice than anything in the 
world. 

PHYSICIAN. 

Peace be with you ! I hope she may both hearken to 
him and find remedy therein. 

[Exit Physician: 

Enter Friar Rodriquez. 

NURSE. 
O holy father, welcome ; you're come an hour sooner 
than we thought to have needed you. Alack, alack ! and 
'tis no longer for marrying, but burying. O my dear lord 
— my good young master, oh ! 

FRIAR. 

Lament not for the dead. How is your lady 1 



scene ii. STAR OF SEVILLE. 91 

NURSE. 

O, sir, in the very deepest pit of affliction ; I think she 
hath wept more tears than would serve to wash me of all 
my sins, old as I am. Her cheeks, which this morning did 
show the brighest and fairest roses in the world, be pale, 
and dra'wn, and stained with briny showers, that have wi- 
thered the pretty roses clean away ; she takes no heed to 
anything about her, nor speaks not save to cry out that she 
may be shown her brother's corpse ; but so strong is the 
passion of her grief, that I have feared to let her see it, 
lest her poor brain be entirely wrecked at the sight. 

FRIAR. 

Where is she ? 

NURSE. 

Within her chamber : shall I tell her you are come ? 

FRIAR. 

No, by no means, I will go thither to her ; 
Let the body of her brother be convey'd, 
Such as it lies, somewhere at hand, to me, 
And if I find that 'twill be best to give her 
The sorrow of its sight. 

NURSE. 
Alack the day 1 
My brave young lord, my handsome, sweet young lord ! 

FRIAR. 

Go in and cry thy fill, but weep not here, 

Lest that my heart, which I would hold in strength 

And firmness for thy lady's best support, 

Grow weak with fancying ere I see her sorrow. 

NURSE. 

Heav'n bless you holy sir ! I cannot hold — 
I will go in. 

[Exit Nurse. 



92 STAR OF SEVILLE, [act iv. 

FRIAR. 

O ihou that doest nought 
But in great mercy to thy sinful children, 
If it please thee well, grant me to pour some patience 
Into this broken heart that thou hast wounded, 
And though thy steps be hid in the deep, yet teach me 
To trust thy wisdom which I cannot fathom, 
And give like trust unto this mourning creature ! 

[Exit. 



SCENE III.— ESTRELLA'S BED-ROOM. 



(She is lying on the ground.) 
ESTRELLA. 

Bloody — cold — stiff — dead, gone, forever gone ! 
O heaven ! O heaven ! the only thing I had 
To love — that lov'd me, torn away from me ! 
His eyes, dim lightless jellies ! his kind voice, 
A tongueless bell ! his upright gallant limbs, 
Carrion ! () God! my brother ! my dear brother! 
Thou hearest me not, else thou wert here beside me ! 
Thou seest me not, thy child, thy darling — lonely! 
O earth ! thou unkind mother, that dost clasp 
Him, and not me, open thine arms for both ; 
O take me in, for I am utterly desolate ! 

(She falls again upon the earth.) 

Enter Friar Rodriquez. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Arise, thou weeping soul, that to the dust 

Of sorrow art brought down, and hearken to me. 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 93 

ESTRELLA. 
O father ! he is gone, he's dead, he's dead ! 
My brother, my twin life — that gentle soul 
That thou drdst know was pure as Heav'n's own light ! 
Father, give help, 1 drown in this deep grief! 

RODRIQUEZ. 

My child, have faith in Heaven ! 

ESTRELLA. 

I have, I have, 
But oh ! but oh ! he cannot live again ! 
Death, know'st thou what it is 1 the sweet soul goes, 
Away, away, like to an nncag'd bird, 
Like prison'd air, like utter'd words it goes, 
And never comes again — O never, never! 

RODRIQUEZ. 

peace, thou sad heart, peace ! 

ESTRELLA. 

O never, never ! 
Never again, in all life's thousand hours, 
And rolling years, and countless little minutes, 
Shall I behold him ! — Day will follow day, 
And night succeed to night, but never more, 
By night or day, will he return to me. 
The seasons, in their walk around the earth, 
Will, turn by turn, go and come back again ; 
All things that have departed may return, 
But life returns not — he returns not ever! 

1 cannot bear this load, it is too much ! 
I will not bear it ! 

RODRIQUEZ. 
Thou art mad with sorrow, 
And utterest evil in thy bitterness. 

ESTRELLA. 
Let me behold his body once again ! 
The clay, the earth, that ivas him ; let me see it, 



94 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

Dear father, for an instant — but one instant ! 
A look, a look, let me not yet have seen 
My very last of him ! 

RODBJQUEZ. 

Poor soul ! 
Thy load is great ! Arise and hear me, maiden ; 
If thou wilt swear to me to curb this passion, 
To hold thy grief in with a stedfast courage, 
And bear in mind the hand that does chastise thee — 

ESTRELLA. 

I will, I will, — indeed, indeed I will ! 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Estrella, hold thy spirit to its vow. 

Heav'n grant what 1 attempt may have good issue ; 

Art thou prepared to look upon the corpse 

Of him thou lov'st ? 

ESTRELLA. 

I am. 



RODRIQUEZ. 

Then turn thee hither. 



Give me thv hand. 



ESTRELLA. 

You see how firm I am ; 
You see I strive, I wrestle with my grief, — 
I know 'tis the good God hath struck me thus, — 
I'm calm, you see, I'm very stedfast, father — 
I am resigned — I'm still — I am content. 
But 1 did love him so ! 

(She falls upon the body.) 

Enter Nurse. 
RODRIQUEZ. 
What is the matter % 



scene in] STAR OF SEVILLE. 95 

NURSE. 

O, sir, they say they must speak with my lady ; — Don 
Gomez, the noble counsellor, and many gentlemen who 
be come from the court ; they cannot be denied ; 'tis 
pressing business, touching my dear lord's death. 

RODRIQUEZ. 
Admit them ; it may force her from this frenzy, 
And for a moment stop her sorrow's course. 
Hold up thy head, Estrella, rouse thyself, 
Here be at hand some come to question with thee. 

ESTRELLA. 
What must I do ? 1 am drunk with weeping — 
I cannot stand, nor speak, nor hear, nor see them. 

(She falls into a chair.) 

Enter Don Gomez and Attendants. 

GOMEZ. 

Hail to this house of sorrow ! noble lady, 

I come a messenger from the assembled council, 

Who are now met to try your most sad cause. 

NURSE. 

I do not think she hears him. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Peace ; she hears mayhap, but heeds not. 

Sir, go on ; 1 will accept your message for the lady, 

And answer it as my best ability affords — go on. 

GOMEZ. 

In few, Don Carlos having openly 
Avow'd the bloody deed — 

estrella — (starting up.) 

What's that you say 1 
Say that again — I say, say that again. 



96 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

GOMEZ. 

Did you not know that this was done by him ? 

ESTRELLA. 

Carlos ! 

GOMEZ. 
Don Carlos is the murderer. 
ESTRELLA. 

Don Carlos is the murderer ! You're old, 

Close on your coffin's brink, you would not lie ; 

You're cloth'd in black too, — deatli is your acquaintance— 

You do not lie — go on — be not afraid ! 

If my eye glazes, and the blood tarn back, 

Nor pour its wonted tribute in my face ; 

These be the weaknesses of mortal houses, 

Our souls are stronger built, mine totters not ; 

Go on. And so Don Carlos slew my brother ? 

GOMEZ. 

Madam, I fear you overstrain your strength. 

ESTRELLA. 

He did not say for which of all his benefits, 
His tender love, his firm and trusting faith, 
His sister's hand, and wide estates— : he said not 
For which of these, my brother's death was guerdon. 

GOMEZ. 
He holds an unlock'd silence on the whole, 
Save that his hand cut short Don Pedro's life. 

ESTRELLA. 

I thank you, sir, and these good gentlemen, 
For coming hither ; please you to return, 
And tell the honorable Council 1 
Will forthwith furnish me with such advice, 
How to proceed in this my extremity, 
As my more settled wits may tender me. 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 97 

GOMEZ. 

Heaven strengthen you, most honorable madam ! 
Farewell ! 

Exeunt. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Now look to see this calm unnatural 
Break up in one wild, furious storm of grief. 

NURSE. 

The fountains of her tears be sure run dry. 

RODRIQUEZ. 
I would she'd weep again. Madam — Estrella. 

ESTRELLA. 

My lord — ah ! holy father, is it thou ? 

RODRIQUEZ. 

How fares it, lady ] 

ESTRELLA. 

Passing strong and well. 
When the sap's in the bough, and the green leaves 
Shoot forth, and shake in the evening wind in spring, 
The lightning may burn up the sprouting tree, 
And blast its healthful life; but look, good father, 
Didst ever mark a sapless, leafless witherling, 
That stands all shrivell'd in the bosky dells, 
Mocking the summer with its barrenness 1 
Think'st thou that blighted thing fears any storm, 
Or dreads the bolt that makes its forest brothers 
Writhe their green trembling arms ? — Go to — 'tis past. 
Where is Petruchio ? Poor old servant ! this 
Will bring his life's brief story near its end. 

NURSE. 

Madam, I will go seek him. 

[Exit Nurse. 



98 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

ESTRELLA. 

Holy father ! 
When all is done that I have yet to do, 
I shall this worthless poor mortality 
To the keeping of a cloister dedicate — 
That when this body is released from earth, 
My soul may be far on its way towards heaven. 
Think of this for me ; — there is something more — 
Wilt thou, dear father, in its couch of mould 
Lay this poor broken fragment of existence 1 
Let me — no, no — I will not look again ; 
You'll bury him beside my mother — and leave 
A narrow space — close — close to him for me. 

Enter Nurse, crying. 
O madam ! O my lady ! 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Hold thy peace ! 
Cram not ill news so fast into our ears. 

ESTRELLA. 

There's no ill news now in the world for me. 

NURSE. 

Passing through the offices to call Petruchio to your 
bidding, madam, I heard a wail, and coming to the place, 
found Livio standing by the poor old man, who on his 
chair sat as though listening to the news of my master's 
death ; but when that Livio had done speaking, he sat 
list'ning still — nor moved, nor spoke, nor wept, — for he 
was dead ! 

ESTRELLA. 

O iron youth ! that can such sorrow hold 
As mine, nor break one thread of thy strong woof! 
Whilst threadbare age upon its worn-out strings, 
Receiving but a touch, they straight give way ! 
Father, as of my spiritual dwelling 



scene iv] STAR OF SEVILLE. 99 

Thou hast the rule, so to this house of death 
Put thou some order. I am going now 
To the council-house. 

NURSE. 

The council-house, good madam ? 

ESTRELLA. 

When I return let this be ta'en away, 
And I will then right all uneven things 
That yet may lack it — ere I follow thee 
To the convent. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Heav'n uphold you, my dear lady ! 

lExeunt severally. 



SCENE IV.— THE COUNCIL CHAMBER. 



Don Gomez, Don Arias, Count Lomaria, the Al- 

cades and 31agistrates of Seville ; also Vasco, Curio, 
Valentine, and many others, Don Carlos. 

GOMEZ. 

You all have heard this bloody story o'er, 
But to proceed in the accustom'd form — 
Don Arias, my good lord, we must beseech you, 
To speak to the matter you were witness to. 

ARIAS. 

My lord, returning from the Count Lomaria's 
Last night, or rather at first peep of day, 
In the cross street I came upon Don Carlos, 
Who with most furious gesture aim'd against 
Himself, did offer war with his own life. 



100 STAR OF SEVILLE. [ ACT iv. 

This I prevented — when lying- on the ground, 
All soaked in blood, and gashed with running wounds, 
Don Pedro's lifeless body I beheld. 
Whereat, heaping amazement on amazement, 
Don Carlos cried, " I have done this," and o'er 
Repeating these wild words, fell down in a swoon. 
The alarm being given, and the guard at hand, 
I presently departed, leaving all things 
To day's clear eye and the wisdom of this court. 
I think there be one here, who passing by, 
Was also witness to the whole — he's yonder, 

GOMEZ. 

Sir, pray stand forth, if you can any thing 
Add, or detract, from the evidence we've heard. 

VASCO. 

Nothing, my lord ; nothing, save that 'tis true : 
I heard those words ; would I had had no hearing, 
Or that infirmity to youth unknown, 
Had made the fine sense dull, that now, perforce, 
Makes me a witness 'gainst this honor'd gentleman. 

Enter an attendant, icho whispers Don Gomez. 

GOMEZ. 

'Tis very well : we shall obey his majesty, 

In all just dealing — let the gentleman enter. 

Don Carlos, here is come a messenger 

From the King's grace, commending to your use, 

The great abilities of the ablest man in Seville — 

Skill'd to unravel strongest knots of law, 

And wind ev'n justice to what point he would ; 

Who, by the King offer'd great gain and honor 

To plead your cause, hath for your own name's sake , 

Come hither unfee'd to speak in your behalf. 

Admit him straight ! 



scene iv.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 101 

Enter a Lawyer. 

CARLOS. 

To him, as to the court, my answer's brief — 
I thank you, sir, for this your Christian courtesy 
To one most worthless of such generous dealing ; 
% But deem too nobly of your eloquence, 
Which, as 'tis right persuasive, comes from the heart, 
To clog it with so ill a cause as mine, 
Or think it could its conquering way pursue, 
Bowed by the weight of blood. Sirs, I am guilty — 
You've heard the sum and substance of my plea 
In those three words. 

LAWYER. 

O noble sir, beseech you, 
Cast not your precious life away so suddenly. 
It is not wise, or well, believe me, sir — 
There have been straights as great as this you stand in, 
Where gaps have yet been found — -escapes been made, 
As through the air, or underneath the earth ; 
Yea, in the closest gripe of the grim law, 
Means to slip through have yet been sometimes found — 
Oh, let me speak ! 

CARLOS. 

Ah, but that this were spared me ! 
Look yonder ! see'st tkou through the entrance porch, 
A woman coming towards us stedfastly 1 
Think'st thou a world of words as musical 
As brooks in summer, strong as the sunward flight 
Of eagle's wings — rich as the golden chains 
That from Apollo's lips take spirits captive, 
Could, in great Justice's scale outweigh one tear 
Of hers, or talk down that wan, silent grief 
That speaks in her bloodless cheek 1 

Estrella enters, attended by two servants, 

GOMEZ. 

The lady Estrella ! 
9* 



102 STAR OF SEVILLE. - [act iv. 

ESTRELLA. 

Let not surprise o'ertake ye, that a woman, 

Alone, unfenc'd by any guard but sorrow, 

I come into the assembly of your wisdom. 

I know 'tis 'gainst the custom of my sex, 

Thus in the eye and gaze of men to stand, 

Unpropp'd, unscreen'd, and unprotected : 

But, in brief words I'll tell ye why this is, 

And why no woman's shame upon my cheek 

Does homage to your sovereignty of nature. 

I have no guardian — no protector — none — 

No father — mine died ere I grew a woman — 

I have forgotten him — I have no brother, 

For mine was murder'd yesternight in the street ; — 

Therefore it is I stand alone before ye — 

Alone here, as alone in the wide world. 

CARLOS. 

O when did sorrow bribe the soul of pity, 
With such a voice I 

GOMEZ. 

Madam, we are intent, 
To do your most foul wrong a full requital. 

ESTRELLA. 

Nor let it move your wonder that I come 
Attired thus into this grave assembly, 
Mocking the solemn aspect of your council 
With these gay robes — it is my wedding-day ! 
You start at that ; in faith, my lords, 'tis true — 
It is my wedding-day — I am a bride ; 
And the reason why my husband is not here 
Beside me, filling up the vacant place 
Of father, brother, all the world in one, 
Is that he stands yonder — the breaker down 
Of the only stay on earth I had to lean on. 

ARIAS. 

O strange and horrible ! 



scene iv.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 103 

CARLOS. 

'Tis true — 'tis true : 
O ye delay too long : torture like this 
Is more than guilty catiff ever bore, 

Groaning upon the wheel. Sentence me ! sentence me ! 
I'm rack'd beyond the endurance of a man ; 
And if ye longer hold me in this anguish, 
Your scaffold will go bloodless, and the throngs 
Of my fellow-citizens lose the show of death, 
They be already come abroad to gape at. 
Your sentence in the name of mercy, sirs ! 

(Don Gomez speaks with several of the Coun- 
sellors, and then rises.) 

GOMEZ. 

Don Carlos, Count of Mueyn and Valentar, 

In that you have confessed yourself the slayer 

Of your fellow-man, you are condemned to death ; 

Moreover, in that you have broken through 

The sov'reign proclamation of the King, 

Forbidding any to walk armed abroad, 

You're doubly doomed. My lords, break up the court. 

Your hour of death will be made known to you, 

In time to fit your soul to meet it bravely. 

[Exeunt Gomez, Arias, Lomaria, Alcades, and 
Magistrates. 

carlos (to the Lawijer.) 
Sir, you may do me a most infinite good, 
'Stead of the one your bounty proffered me, 
Now that all's over, and the doom pronounc'd — 
May I not speak one word to yonder lady 1 

LAWYER. 

That, sjr, at least I will entreat for you. 

(He crosses to Estrella who is going out.) 
Madam, this most unhappy gentleman, 
Whom now you should regard with some compassion, 



104 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act iv. 

Since he is of the things that are no longer — 
Beseeches but to speak one word with you. 

ESTRELLA. 

Tell him to send his message by my brother ; 
Or keep it till to-night, when we're alone 
In our marriage chamber. 

[Exeunt Estrella and servants. 

LAWYER. 

Was it spoke in earnest 1 
Her eye did mock at her lip, as the words dropt from it. 
That is a brain that will not hold its seat — 
The flickering eye showed reason's lamp was dying. 
I will not bear her message. (Goes back to Carlos. 

Sir, the lady 
You see is gone, and will not hear your suit. 

CARLOS. 

Not yet, she is not gone yet, for I see 
Her gliding form fading away from me ; 
And her voice possesses still the list'ning air, 
Which will not lose its impress. Fare ye well ! 
Sweet love, and bitter life ! since ye might not 
Together dwell, 'tis best to leave ye both, 
And not keep one having lost the other. Sir, 
One more request — my last — pray you accept it : 
Commend me to his majesty the King, 
Tell him, in all devoted humble duty 
And truest love, I was his servant ever. 
Give him this paper; but observe me well, 
Not till I'm dead. Will you do this 1 

LAWYER. 

I Will. 

CARLOS. 

May heav'n requite you, sir : now to my dungeon. 

[Exit Carlos guarded. Exeunt the rest severally. 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 105 

ACT V. 
SCENE I.— A CHAMBER IN ANTONIO'S HOUSE. 



Enter Florilla and Isabel. 

ISABEL. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! ha ! I pr'ythee give me leave, there 
shall no play, — ha ! ha ! no acted play, — show better, — 
ha ! ha ! haj 

FLORILLA. 

Nay now, but, coz — come, coz — come, Isabel; stint 
laughing, and let's to work. 

ISABEL. 

Pray Heaven I die not on't ! — ha ! ha ! ha ! 

FLORILLA. 

Beshrew thee, then ! what, wench, hast lost thy wits ? — 
marry coz, coz. Hang thee, vexatious minx ! thou puttest 
me past my patience. 

ISABEL. 

I have not put thee far ; ha! ha! is't not a jest? is 
not a jest a thing to laugh at? 

FLORILLA. 

Yea, but not this jest — lo you now, Isabel, we lose the 
time, he will be here, and nothing ready. My father will 

be coming, or Vasco, or and we shall lose the very 

prime of our sport, for thy laughing. 

ISABEL. 

Nay, that were a bad joke at best. Where be these 
diamonds, 



10G STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

FLOR1LLA. 

Here, in this casket : pr'ythee put them in my hair for 
rri6 — quick. 

ISABEL. 

Meantime, do thou tell me, what for thou hast indited 
this same amorous clothes' peg ? 

FLORILLA. 

Marry, first in the street, as thou saw'st his outward man 
did hit my fancy's humor, as showing him very fit — 

ISABEL. 

For a very mad jest — where shall I place this band ? 

FLORILLA. 

So, o'er my brow ; 'twas so my mother wore it, they 
were her wedding diamonds, rest her soul ! 

ISABEL. 

Amen! — and second, how 1 good preacher, finish thy 
points, though they were fifty. 

FLORILLA. 

Why, I have since learned, that this same many-colored 
fly, is the veriest braggadocio that ever flinched from a 
chaste woman's frown ; fetch me yon mirror. 

ISABEL. \ 

Angels defend us! and where heard'st thou this 1 

FLORILLA. 

Pedrillo late last night was with them at the Anchor, 
where, as thou know'st they drank the sun to his bed, and 
well nigh out of it again ; among the guests was this same 
resistless wooer, who, as he saith, did utter such incredible 
tales of his amorous exploits, and did, in such wise, misprise 
and set at nought us luckless women, holding the.conquests 
that he made by handfuls as cheap as handfuls of dust, 
that Pedrillo swers he must have loved more ladies than 
would people all the seraglios of the East. 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 107 

ISABEL. 

Is he rich 1 he sure must be ; for he hath no charm else 
to tempt the veriest wanton — he must be very rich. 

FLORILLA. 

Tut, dost thou believe all this ; credit me, coz, if there 
be knaves of such a sort as this fellow would pass himself 
for, there be also fools that have enough iniquity in them 
to wish for a villainous renown which they have not the 
daring to achieve, and who think by boasting and big 
words to make good their claim to an infamous repute 
which they have not the boldness to merit in very deed — 
and such an one, or I am much deceived, is this. Among 
many others did he tell the talc of this same Segovian lady, 
to whom he said he was by contract bound. This is the 
fair forsaken thou must enact, and it shall go hard if be- 
tween us we do not show this same all-conquering senor 
the mettle of our Seville ladies. 

ISABEL. 

Art thou not horribly afeard of being alone with one so 
badly reputed ? 

FLORILLA. 

Afraid ! I'll tell thee, Isabel, it is our weakness makes 
these boasters strong. Credit me, did we but know and 
feel our footing firm, making a high and resolute mind in 
us stand stead of outward and mere bodily vigor, there's 
not the boldest braggart of them all but should strike colors 
to the veriest maid that ever bore our sex's blushing 
standard on her cheek. But for this mannikin — did'st 
look in his face % 

ISABEL. 

I looked for his face, but indeed he was so monstrously 
bearded that he may have one or no for aught mine eyes 
can vouch. 

FLORILLA. 

Faugh ! a beard becomes a man as well as the want of it 
becomes a woman ; but to see such a villainous bush of 



108 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

hair on the skin of what hath the mincing gait and lisping 
syllables of a pampered wanton, begets a very disgustful 
indignation in me. But, come Isabel, unbind thy hair, I 
pr'ythee, so upon thy shoulders — now put me on a look 
like the forsaken Dido — could'st thou not weep me a tear 
or two 1 

ISABEL. 

I'll use all endeavor. 

FLORILLA. 

Now spread thine arms abroad thus : what, rant, rave, 
be disconsolate ; remember he hath deserted thee, and 
thou hast followed him hither to claim him. 

ISABEL. 

fear me not, I shall be perfect woe begone ! give me 
the mirror. Faithless and perjured have I found thee ! 
Florilla. Methinks this disordered head-tire is something 
too becoming ; for, say he take me at my word, and marry 
me — what then ? 

FLORILLA. 

Marry, we will stop short ere the jest come to that ; 
and having well indulged our merriment at the expense of 
his confusion, turn him loose again. I hear voices. Now 
into that chamber*, be still, and on thy hopes of a husband 
see thou laugh not ; the signal shall be these words, "My 
whole estate I will bestow on thee," then rush thou in. 

ISABEL. 

1 will not fail. Traitor forsworn — base, base deceiver! 

FLORILLA. 

Peace, wilt thou raise the city 1 

ISABEL. 

I am rehearsing. 

FLORILLA. 

Now get thee gone — some one is coming. 



scene i. STAR OF SEVILLE. 109 

ISABEL. 

" Are these thy vows, seducer." — May I not scratch 
thy face ? 

FLORILLA. 
No, madcap. 

ISABEL. 

Nor pluck thee by the hair 1 

FLORILLA. 

No, no ! what, art thou moonstruck 1 

ISABEL. 

It will not seem natural, an I leave no token on thee— 
beseech thee, let me beat thee. 

FLORILLA. 

Beshrew thee, no. Hark ! here be footsteps. 

ISABEL. 

One little pinch or pull — I will not tear both thine eyes 
out. Is my hair rightly disposed 1 

FLORILLA. 

'Tis desperately well — and I, look I the fair majestic 
countess to the life 1 

ISABEL. 

Fair enough for a duchess, coz ; but for majesty — good 
lack ! thou lack'st three inches of it by this light. 

[Exit into chamber. 

Enter Pedrillo. 

PEDRILLO. 



Your guest is come. 

FLORILLA. 
Is Perez ready 1 
10 



110 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

PEDRILLO. 

So please you, he waits in the private passage. 

FLORILLA. 

Good : remember your parts — few words save oaths, 
and much show of anger ; and see you lack not these 
same cudgels I spoke of. Get thee into thy hiding-place, 
and let Nicolo and Vicentio usher in the stranger. 
(Exit Pedrillo.) Now then to take my state. 

Isabel (thrusting her head out of the door.) 
Doth not thy heart beat 1 

FLORILLA. 

Not with fear — peace ! 

("Isabel withdraws. Enter Hyacinth ushered 
in by two serving men. 

HYACINTH. 

Most fair and unutterable lady ! may it please your 
loveliness for awhile to banish from }'our exquisite pres- 
ence these menials ; for, indeed, my love is of a quality 
that brooks little ceremony, and flies but lamely in a full 
company. 

FLORILLA. 

You may withdraw. [Exeunt Servants.] So, being 
gone, sir, you may let loose the torrent of your eloquence ; 
but, of one thing I forewarn you, you must not be too pas- 
sionate with me ; for, indeed I am but young, and unapt 
at replying to very importunate wooing — besides, so much 
of fear rises in a maiden's breast, even at your renowned 
name, that — 

HYACINTH. 

Ffaith, sweet, I will be merciful : I will but press thee 
coldly at this first trial of thy strength, lest indeed, (for 
rumor will have it I am irresistible,) by too swift conquering, 
thy defeat lose something of its dearness. 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. HI 

FLORILLA. 

O, I am much bound to you. Pray you sit by me, 
and tell me. 

HYACINTH. 

Nay, not so ; we do know our place, fair lady — slaves 
sit not in the presence of their masters, vassals take not 
ease before their lords, nor subjects before their sovereigns; 
sit thou rather, and hearken while I swear to thee, that I 
will dote upon thee as long as the sun doth sit in the sky. 

FLORILLA. 

By the clock twelve hours. 

HYACINTH. 

Nay, then, as long as all created things shall hold their 
existence will I love thee. I would not have thee doubt 
me now, sweet lady ; nor would I, that thou mayest be- 
lieve, have thee inquire how often I have sworn such vows ; 
but be content, I have forgotten others ; but thou art in- 
deed as far above all whom I ever loved, as my love was 
above their merit ; but, I pray thee, fix me some time 
when I may break this generous armistice. I grant thy 
maiden scruples, and by the ardor of my suit, frame an 
excuse for thy capitulation. 

FLORILLA. 

First sir, let me entreat you, answer me this, What 
usage might your wife look for from you? 

HYACINTH. 

I will love thee, by this light, three calendar months, 
cherish thee the other nine of the first twelve, and main- 
tain thee all my life. Thou see'st I'm sincere, and therein 
kind. 

FLORILLA. 

Indeed, most kind ! And how would you require that 
your wife govern herself to pleasure you ? 



112 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

HYACINTH. 

O she, doubtless, would be submissive ; for, doating on 
me, as 'tis like she would, obedience would seem easy duty 
to her. Moreover, she would be chaste ; for, having me 
to husband, the world could afford her no temptation such 
as she was already possessed of; thus of her submission 
and chastity I hold myself assured. 

FLORILLA. 

Truly I think you have good cause. 

HYACINTH. 

Though there is one thing of which I must forewarn 
thee. Art thou jealous now 1 or of an even and a trusting 
endurance. 

FLORILLA. 

Verily, having never yet been much moved to love, I 
could but hardly say whether love would move me to trust 
or doubting. 

HYACINTH. 
O thou wilt be horribly jealous of me ; I do spy it in the 
curi of thy lip, and in the eagerness of eye with which thou 
dost survey me. 

FLORILLA. 

Who, I ! (aside.) This is the most intolerable coxcomb 
that one should wish to be pestered withal ! (aloud.) I 
think, Senor, as you say : loving, as it is doubtless I shall 
love you, some alloy of jealousy may indeed mix with the 
virgin ore of my affection. 

HYACINTH. 

Nay, there is not much in that, sweet ; and so thou 
bearestthy malady meekly, and lookest me quietly broken- 
hearted, goest clad in a yellow robe, and pale cheeks, so 
thou limit thy jealousy within a " Nay now, my sweet 
lord," sighed forth when I do lie at some lady's foot, or 
three tears big enough to be seen rolling and heard falling, 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 113 

when I kiss her before dancing, — good — it is well, and in- 
deed I allow thy heart this vent. But come not nigh me 
in the stormy jealous, the sullen jealous, or the whining 
jealous moods, — for I am a perfect tiger being roused ; 
and moreover it is incredible to what a point silence in 
suffering beseemeth a wise woman, and a wife. 

FLORILLA. 

I do think indeed an I am ever jealous of you, you will 
not hear me say so much — but, senor, you still stand, let 
me beseech you — 

HYACINTH. 

Sweet, take no heed ; I — I — , truly it is a more manly 
exercise to stand than to sit ; sitting being essentially the 
posture of hens — were it not, indeed, that — I would kneel, 
and swear to thee. 

FLORILLA. 

O sweet, sweet sir, kneel, kneel ! I never did have a 
man kneel before me in my life ! I do entreat you wor- 
ship. 

HYACINTH. 

That T worship thee with my soul of souls, sweet lady 
an^ most ineffable, is true, and not to be doubted ; but 
chat I can bend my outward man in token of the same, I 
doubt, in respect that — my hose — 

FLORILLA. 

I will be satisfied with the very shadow of a genuflexion ; 
do but so much as approach the earth within an inch with 
your knee, and, as I am a maid, come what, come will ; 
my whole estate I will bestow on thee, and — 

[Hyacinth falls on his knees. 

Enter Isabel from the inner room. 

ISABEL. 

Where have I been ! whence come I ! where am I ! 
10* 



114 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

whither go I ! what voice was that ! what sound is in mine 



ears 



HYACINTH. 

Is she mad 1 is she mad 1 is she mad ? 

FLOR1LLA. 

Stand up, pray you pull not my farthingale so unkindly ; 
hang not about me thus : stand up upon your legs, I say 1 

HYACINTH. 

I can't, I can't — my hose are crack'd — O my hose — my 
beautiful — my beloved hose ! 

ISABEL. 

Hark ! — he calls me his beautiful — his beloved — 'twas 
thus he ever spoke to me. 

HYACINTH. 

I am afeard of her! I cannot abide anything mad ! I 
did once run away from a mad dog. Pray you let her 
not come near me. 

ISABEL. 

Ha ! I hear ! I know ! I see 'tis thou ! base, base de- 
luder ! 

HYACINTH. 

Beseech you let her not scratch my eyes out. 

FLORILLA. 

What means this violence 1 Who and what are you, 
madam ? 

ISABEL. 

A forlorn, forsaken, deluded, deserted, deceived, and 
desolate maid. 

FLORILLA. 

Who has thus wrong'd you ? 

ISABEL. 

He, he who now brings his stale oaths to you. Hya- 
cinth ! my love ! my lord ! 



scene i] STAR OF SEVILLE. 115 

FLOR1LLA. 

Thy love ! thy lord ! 

HYACINTH. 

Believe her not, sweet, believe her not ; — 'tis an illu- 
sion — 'tis madness — she has been wronged by some fair 
youth like me, and raves distractedly. Begone, beautiful 
maniac, I know thee not ! 

ISABEL. 

Not know me ! — me, Amadalinda, the pride of Spain, 
the flower of Segovia, till thou, with thy false vows, didst 
wither me — dost thou not know me ? 

FLORILLA. 

Dost thou know her ? 

HYACINTH. 

No, as I am a gentleman ! 

ISABEL. 

Hast thou forgotten all thy vows of love 1 

FLORILLA. 

What, didst thou utter vows of love ? 

HYACINTH. 

No, as I am a man. 

ISABEL. 

Dar'st thou deny the contract sealed to me be my hus- 
band 1 



FLORILLA. 

Dar'st thou woo me, having a contract sealed to be her 
husband ? 

HYACINTH. 

No ! no I no 1 as I am a christian ! I know her not, I 



116 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

made no vow — I sealed no contract — . — (aside.) O Lord, 
O Lord, 'tis the devil, who hearing my lies, hath embo- 
died one of them. 

ISABEL. 

Nay then, traitor ! there be those at hand shall right 
me : and since the voice of love hath no power to entreat, 
the swords of my kinsmen shall force you to do me jus- 
tice — what ho ! my noble champions there ! come forth ! 

Enter two serving men in disguise. 

ISABEL. 

Lay on the villain there ! 

HYACINTH. 

St. Nicholas ! St. Jerome ! St. Vincent ! and all the 
saints ! 

FLORILLA. 

Within there ! Pietro ! Vincentio ! 

Enter two Servants. 

This to me ! Let go my robe, villain ! cling not about 
my feet ! 

ISABEL. 

Now I charge you, fall to and spare not ! 

HYACINTH. 

Gentlemen, gentlemen, sticks ! sticks ! they cure and 
kill not : no weapons — I'll take a cudgelling in all kind- 
ness, — pray do not murder me. 

FLORILLA. 

Coward ! do as I bid you. 

HYACINTH. 

Help! murder! ave-maria ! murder! murder! pater- 
noster! rape, arson, robbery, murder, murder ! murder! 



scene i.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 117 

Enter Vasco. 

HYACINTH. 

Yet another, — I'm dead ! (He falls on the floor.) 

vasco. 
What uproar's here 1 who be these men % Florilla ! Isa- 
bel ! what thing is this ? 

FLORILLA. 

A lover of mine, who hath just tendered me this bribe. 

VASCO. 

Yea, thou silken trumpery, didst, thou dare — 

HYACINTH. 

Stop — stop — make not a hole in my doublet — let not 
cold iron go through that ! 

Enter Antonio. 

ANTONIO. 

What mummery is this ? Vasco, hold — daughter, and 
mistress Isabel, I pray you let these confusions cease, — 
Fie, fie, for shame, for shame — get you to your buttery 
and offices, knaves. {Exeunt servants.] Have ye not 
heard the news ? 

hyacinth — (creeping out.) 
Bless thee, old newsmonger. 

ANTONIO. 

Don Carlos is condemned for the slaughter of Count 
Pedro, and this very day at sunset is the doom : the town 
is still and silent as a vault, and of the few that wander 
through the streets not one but wears some token of 
mourning, but most in his countenance. All this doth 
pass, while your mad fancies here keep such a glare of 
noise and merriment that the dark atmosphere that lowers 
without has not come nigh you. Go to your chamber, 



118 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

daughter, and let me entreat you both to put yourselves 
into such sable attire as you have at hand. Vasco, come 
with me. [Exeunt Vasco and Antonio. 

FLORILLA. 

My heart stands still, Isabel — speak — speak ! 

ISABEL. 

O my sweet lady ! [Exeunt. 



SCENE II.— A STREET IN SEVILLE. 



Valentine and Curio meeting. 

CURIO. 

Whither away so fast ? 

VALENTINE. 

To the execution. 

curio. 
The execution ! soft, pray take me with you 

valentine. 

Well, come along. 

curio, 
No, no, in thy meaning, I mean; murder, and trial, and 
execution, all in a day — 'tis something quick. 

valentine. 

The King, it seems, had ordered that the sentence 
should be pronounced, but not the hour of doom, hoping, 
no doubt, out of this loophole, to work some escape for 
Don Carlos. 



scene ii.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 119 

CURIO. 

Well] 

VALENTINE. 

But the council did not disperse when the court broke 
up, but still remained advising, and Lord Gomez, the old 
childless lord, you know, together with Don Arias, it seems, 
spake so strongly for the execution, that it was universally 
decreed at sunset. 

CURIO. 

What said the king to this ? 

VALENTINE. 

Unable to undo the strong resolve of the council, he fell 
into a passion of sorrow and indignation ; chid the old 
lord from his presence like a storm, and banished his bas- 
tard cousin to his castle in the Nevada. The court leaves 
Seville to-morrow. 

CURIO. 

They're come for all the world like a thunder-cloud 
over us. Would they had never come I I know not why, 
but I think they are the cause of all this. 

VALENTINE. 
How SO ? 

CURIO. 

Heaven knows— I fancy it. How bore Don Carlos the 
warning of his death ? 

VALENTINE. 

Exceeding well. At first the natural fear of dissolution 
which all flesh inherits made the color run from his cheeks 
and lips, but presently he seemed to embrace his fate with 
a constant spirit, and commending himself to the King's 
gracious remembrance, sent for his confessor. 

CURIO. 

O Valentine, he should have died in battle : the Moors, 



120 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

and not an executioner, should have been the ending of 
that gallant heart. 

VALENTINE. 

Come, I must go. Will you go with me ? 

CURIO. 

Ay, to the saddest sight I think I ere shall look on. 



SCENE III.— A PRISON. 



Carlos and Father Rodriquez discovered. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

let not, my dear son, thy thoughts return, 
With this declining sunbeam, towards the earth, 
But with a spirit strong and confident 

Fix them alone in heav'n. 

CARLOS. 

Good holy father, 

1 strive in vain : my thoughts awhile upborne 
Upon the heavenward wings of thy devotion, 
Anchor beyond the dark abysm of death; 
But soon a thousand fleshly monitors 

Beckon them back with weak and earthly promptings. 

Thou say'st 'tis blest to die in penitence, 

And yet I feel 'tis sad to die in youth. 

Ere life has had its share death claims the whole — 

Ere toil of war and manly enterprise 

Have worn these sinews weary they must rest, 

Rest in the dust. I bring not to the grave 

Age and disease, a living carrion, 

But healthful limbs, upon whose lusty strength 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 121 

The loathsome worm before his time must banquet, 

The blood within my veins is not bak'd up 

With sullen spleen or frozen o'er with eld, 

It flows a strong, warm, rapid, living tide, 

And I must pour it out upon a scaffold. 

A scaffold ! there's the sting : father, my fathers 

Were born of kings, lived all like noblemen, 

And clied like warriors. I'm a felon, father ! 

A midnight murderer ! a drunken stabber ! 

And I must answer this upon the block : 

O bitter fortune — bitter fate ! 

RODRIQUEZ. 

My son, 
'Tis bitter, but 'tis given thee to drink. 
O turn thine eyes unto a brighter scene. 

CARLOS. 

Whither? to that sad home, where she — my love — 
My wife, sits weeping o'er her brother's corse! 
Father, what had she done, how had she sinn'd, 
That heaven thus visits her ? For me, I know 
My life's bought with a price, a bargain struck 
Fairiy 'twixt guilt and death ; but she was holy 
As saints that sin not ! O why is she doom'd 
To misery, by whose side death seems to smile ? 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Question not thou th' invisible doom of fate, 
Nor let thy thought presumptuous seek to pierce 
The mystery of heaven's high dispensations. 
She will be cared for by a care beyond 
Earth's closest love — she will be strengthened 
To bear the burthen that is laid upon her. 
Howe'er bereaved, she is not forsaken, 
And o'er her desolate and forlorn state 
The Father of the fatherless and widow 
Will stretch his wing, — trust me, she will be car'd for. 
11 



122 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

CARLOS. 

This is our wedding-day. See the sun sinks. 
At this same hour yestreen I to'd my soul, 
" To-morrow as the sun goes down thy bride 
Will cross thy father's threshold ;" lying hope, 
That sal'st in the sinking sunbeam yesterday, 
Where art thou 1 O where art thou? 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Gracious Heaven ! 
Look with thy mercy on this sinful man, 
That clings to the earth whence thou hast summon'd him, 
And with his arms still hugging to the last, 
The life thou claim'st, falls headlong in his grave. 
Thy love will die and be a saint in heaven, 
When Heaven hath done its will wiih her on earth. 
Fie, fie, this grief's unmanly — 'tis not holy. 

CARLOS. 

Art thou a man, that thus upbraid'st my woe ? 

Have I not grief enough, but thou must cast 

Thy heavy censure on met sinking me 

Yet deeper in this drowning sea of sorrow ? 

Do I not bleed enough ? lack I yet more 

Thy cutting, keen reproach, to wound and pierce me? 

RODRIQUEZ. 

So help me Heaven, as such unchristian purpose 
Was farthest iron) my soul ! Behold, my son, 
Although I strive to check thy fruitless tears, 
Look how my own come swelling o'er their bounds, 
To bear me witness 'gainst such accusation. 

CARLOS. 

Forgive me ! O forgive me, holy man ! 

My grief like frantic fever loathes its cure — 

But O, thou dost not know ! — 

RODRIQUEZ. 

I do! I do! 



scene in.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 123 

And my old wither'd heart weeps blood for lliee ; 
These be strange dealings of great Providence, 
And my bewilder'd spirit halts amazed, 
And wonderjmgly asks why these things are ! 
But O, such thoughts are evil — let us hope, 
And pray, my son — pray fervently, that death 
May be to thee not curst, hut blest indeed ! 
A moment's pang for an eternal bliss ! 
A moment's darkness for immortal light ! 
A moment's poverty for boundless wealth ! 
Earth, earth for heaven ! a dungeon for a throne ! 

[Noise without.) 

CARLOS. 

Hark ! they are come. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

Be of good courage, Carlos. 

Enter Jailor. 

jailor. 
Sir, it is sunset, and the guard's at hand. 

CARLOS. 

Farewell, my prison walls, last things of earth 

That! shall see — fetters that yet I grasp 

And feel, farewell ! Existences that still 

Discourse unto my senses, fare ye well ! 

'Tis past. Give me thy hand, father ; be near me 

Until the last. 

RODRIQUEZ. 

I will, my dear, dear son. 

[Exeunt. 



124 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 



SCENE IV.— A CHAMBER IN ESTRELLA'S 
HOUSE. 



Enter Estrella. 

ESTRELLA. 

So, so — alone ! — they have not followed me. 
The day grows dim, but yet I know 'tis morning. 
We've not been married yet — an hour ere noon 
Will be the wedding. Look I not brave, think ye 1 
Shall I not be a handsome bride ? You're there, 
Brother ; — why do you wear that bloody cloak ? 
You're pale, you're pale — ah, I'd forgot — he's dead ; 
But he will give the bride away. Again — 
They're come again. I'll hide myself — down — down — 
Here i' the ground ! 

Enter Nurse and Gentlewoman. 

NURSE. 

Sweet virgin ! on the earth. 

GENTLEWOMAN. 

Let's take her back to her chamber. 

ESTRELLA. 

Take her ! is't me ye'll take against my will X 

I am not mad, minion : d'ye hear, I'm not : 

I want no keepers, good ye mistress Lynx ! 

They watch me ! they watch me ! but I'll cozen them. 

Faith, 'tis hot — I'm weary — I would sleep, — 

Faint, faint, — good night, sweet jailors, I will sleep. 

NURSE. 

For the first time this day she's still. Mercy on us, 
here be events ! here be befallings ! The young tree is 
cut down, blossom and all, and the old bark's left to rot 



scene iv.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 125 

standing. Hark ! 'tis the bell tolling for the execution. 
O what a tide of folks is pouring towards the place ! I'd 
fain step and hear what's saying. Juana, sit thou by her 
while she sleeps — I'll be back anon. 

[Exit Nurse. 

GENTLEWOMAN. 

Poor lady, 'tis a troubled sleep in sooth, and will not 
better her much. Who's there ? 

Enter Livio. 
Softly, my lady sleeps. 

LIVIO. 

O Juana, if ever thou didst see brave sight, come to the 
balcony in the east front : the streets be full of gazers, and 
the procession will be passing even anon. 

GENTLEWOMAN. 

A brave sight ! — a sad sight, and a solemn, I think. 
Why, Livio, I wonder at thee, — thou that hast seen Don 
Carlos come hither, day after day, opening the gates to 
him in thine office. I think she sleeps soundly. 

LIVIO. 

Come, an' thou lovest me, for a minute. 

GENTLEWOMAN. 

Well, I will come ; I would fain see him once again, 
poor gentleman ; he was a lovely young nobleman, — 
heaven save us all, — to come to such an end ! 

[Exeunt Ltvio and gentlewoman. 

ESTRELLA. 

They're gone aw r ay — there's none left to watch me. 
Marry, I was not wont to be so guarded. 
What bell is that 1 I shall be late at the church ! 
Fie, the bride come too late ! Sweet marriage bells, — 
They've a strange twang withal — they should be faster. 
Bind up my hair, give me mv rosary. 
11* 



12 6 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

Ha ! ha ! thou look'st but ill i' thy bloody cloak, 
Pedro ! Now, then, I'm ready, give thy hand- 
Cold, cold, clay cold, with lying i' the earth ! 
So— so— now then to church to make me a wife. 

[Exit. 



SCENE THE LAST.-A STREET IN SEVILLE. 

Enter Estrella. 

ESTRELLA. 

That's an u?ly tune, and savors like a dirge. 

me, I've "the heart-ache, yet I know not why— 
Methinks there's something I should weep about. 

1 am cold and weary— here I'll lay me down- 
Hard pillow for a bride ;-good night, good ™rse. 

(She lies down on the stones.) 

\A solemn mareh is heard without; Soldiers pass 
over the stage ; Citizens croivd in on all sides 
to see the procession. 

FIRST CITIZEN. 

What's here on the ground ? 

SECOND CITIZEN. 

A dead woman. 

THIRD CITIZEN. 

Dead! fainting, mayhap— no, sleeping, faith. 

ANTONIO. 

Stand back! AH saints defend us, 'tis the Lady Es- 
trella. 



scene v.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 127 

VASCO. 

Alone, untended, in this disordered attire, thus i' the 
streets. 

GERONIO. 

Raise her gently — so — so. 

ESTRELLA (waking.) 

Go to thy marriage-bed. 
Maiden, good night. 

Enter, guarded, with Friar and Executioner, Carlos. 

CARLOS. 

Hold ! hold ! i' the name of heaven, hold ! Estrella ! 

VASCO. 

Father, give her to him. 

G-ERONIO. 

How he looks at her, 

As though his eyes should never turn again ! 

ESTRELLA. 

You're a strange man : why do you gaze at me % 
I cannot bear your eyes, turn them away ! 
You make me blush. Pray let me go. 



Estrella! 

Ha! 



CARLOS. 



ESTRELLA. 



CARLOS. 

Dear Estrella ! 



ESTRELLA. 

Say't again ! again ! 
Sweet, though I weep, I love it — say't again ! 



128 STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

CARLOS. 

My love ! my wife ! my wife ! 

ESTRELLA. 

Nay, now you mock me. 
I can laugh as well as cry. Ha! ha ! Well, hear ye — 
I'll tell you the story of the gallant lover, 
Who stahb'd his lady's brother in the dark: 
Faith, that's a sad story — but he's damned, be sure, 
With the fiends in fire, for breaking his love's heart 
And murdering her brother. 

CARLOS. 

Horrible ! 
Another wreck upon this fated shore ! 
Another curse fall'n on this evil day ! 
Her reason's gone, the precious crystal's fiaw'd, 
And can reflect no true and entire image. 



GUARD. 



Sir, the day wanes. 



CARLOS. 

I come. O for a pow'r 
Once more to bring the wandering spirit home ! 
Could she but know me once — once look on me 
With knowledge and perception, though to blast me 
With the lightning of her hate ! Estrella ! 

GUARD. 

Sir! 

CARLOS. 

Peace ! now she knows me ; look, the memory 
Breaks, ray by ray, like morning in her eyes. 

ESTRELLA. 

Pray do not leave me — pray you take me with you, 
For now my brother's dead — you know he's dead — 
They watch and prison me, and keep me close ; 



scene v.] STAR OF SEVILLE. 129 

They will not let me walk abroad i' the day, 

Nor see the sun, nor breathe the sweet fresh air ; — 

They say I'm mad ! 

CARLOS. 

O torture ! 



GUARD. 
ESTRELLA. 

Ha ! ha ! ha ! how you grasp me. 
«UARD. 



Sir, 'tis time. 



Nay, move on. 



CARLOS. 

Stay, stay, a moment more! one moment more! 

Dark — dark — she knows me not — farewell ! farewell ! 

Estrella ! O Estrella ! 

(He is forced out, she remains in the hands of Antonio.) 

ESTRELLA. 

That was Carlos ! 
I know the voice ! I know the blessed sound ! 
Let go your hold ! Loosen your grasp, I say ! 
I heard him — ah ! I see him. Carlos ! Carlos ! 

(She rushes out, followed by crowd and citizens.) 

Manent Isabel and Florilla. 

ISABEL. 

Florilla, I am faint ! I cannot stand ! 
But get thee after them, and see the end. 

FLORILLA. 

I can see here. (She mounts some steps.) 

heavens ! through the throng 

1 see her white robe and her lifted arms — 

The crowd divides — she climbs the scaffold stairs — 
She stands beside him ! Ha ! that flash of light ! 
The axe ! the axe ! 



ISO STAR OF SEVILLE. [act v. 

(A shriek is heard — Flo rill a descends the steps. 
Re-enter Antonio, Geronio, Vasco, Friar 
Rodriquez, Citizens, and Soldiers, bearing on a 
couch the body 0/ Carlos and that o/Estrella. 

rodriquez. 
The chord is snapp'd, life's music is departed — 
The fire is out — our Star of Seville's set. 
Part not those bodies that in death are join'd, 
For though he should not lie in hallowed ground, 
I'll instantly unto the Lord Archbishop, 
And use what prayers may most avail with him, 
That these who s.hould this morn have been united 
In holy wedlock, may this night be laid 
Together in their narrow marriage-bed. 



THE END. 



Ann Street, May, 1837. 

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